Exceptional Children
Exceptional Children's Director
Monica Piro-Duffin
Office - 910-814-9001 Ext. 1150
Fax - 910-814-9002
All about your EC Director:
I moved to North Carolina in July of 2019 from Watertown, NY. I have been married for 10 years but have known my husband since I was in grade school. He is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 and served in the Army for 20 years. I have two children, my 20-year-old stepson Ethan and my 6-year-old son Derek.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master’s Degree In Special Education. I have a K-12 Special Education teaching license as well as an Exceptional Children’s Director’s license. The end of the 2022-23 school year marked my ninth year in education. I have spent four years teaching middle/high school, one-year teaching grades 5-6,and four years in grades K-5. My teaching experience has provided specially designed instruction, whether through a co-teaching model or individually.
This coming year, I hope to build on my experience to collaborate with my team members and leadership team to provide the best learning experience for my students.
Public Notice
Public Notice 05-02-23.pdf
ecparenthandbook-07.2016.pdfecspanishhandbook-07.2016.pdfThis handbook is designed to support families with the understanding of the rights and responsibilities specific to the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources can be found in the appendices.
If, at any time, you suspect your student may have a disability and is in need of special education and/or related services, you may request an evaluation, in writing, to your student's school principal, teacher, or [local EC Department].
2021policies04192021.pdfPublic-Notice-State-Grant-2021.pdfThe mission of the Exceptional Children Division is to ensure that students with disabilities develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized program in the least restrictive environment.
10.26.22 SLD Family Communication Reference.pdf Dispute Resolution
From time to time, disagreements between families and schools may occur regarding the development and implementation of a student's individualized education program (IEP). It is highly recommended that the following steps be considered in order to resolve differences quickly.
1. Address at the classroom level: Speak first to your child's teacher about your concerns.
2. Address at the school level: Next, talk to the principal at your child's school about your concerns.
3. Address at the LEA level: If you still have concerns, contact the EC director of your school/district (Mrs. Piro-Duffin)
Monthly Parent Newsletters
Newsletter_Ind8_April 2024.pdfNewsletter_Ind8_April 2024_Spanish.pdfTitle IX Coordinator SY 23-24 - Sherry Harrison
Email: TitleIXcoordinator@acacharter.com
For the 2023-2024 School Year, staff at ACA participated in training from Safe Place to Learn from the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments.