Students With Disabilities

Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is a public school. CEC serves students with disabilities and English Learners and provides services to students as required by state and federal law. CEC is subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Laws applicable to students with disabilities include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In most cases, the services required by a student with a disability can be provided at a CEC school or program. In some cases, a student’s individual needs require that they be placed in a different location or program as determined by an IEP or Section 504 team. Under IDEA, students with disabilities are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The services a student requires under IDEA are described in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Under Colorado law, the provision of FAPE and specific services required by a student’s IEP are a joint responsibility of CEC and Colorado Charter School Institute, CEC’s authorizer.

Students applying to attend CEC are not required to identify that they have an IEP and CEC admits students without considering a student’s disability. After a student with an IEP is initially enrolled in CEC, an IEP team meeting may be required to determine whether the desired CEC school location or program is an appropriate placement for the student based on their needs. In most cases, the services required by a student’s IEP can be provided at CEC. In some circumstances, a student’s individual needs require that they be placed in a different location or program.