JOYCE SHAFFER
(276) 821-5821
jshaffer@bristolvaschools.org

Biography

Hi, my name is Joyce Shaffer. I am the preschool resource teacher for the Bristol, Virginia school system. My office is located at Washington Lee Elementary.  I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from James Madison University.  My affiliation with this school system has been thirty two years.  As a resource teacher, I am responsible for receiving all referrals of preschool children ages 3 to 5 who are suspected of having some form of developmental delay and help the families go from referral to service eligibility, to implementing an individual education plan.

Job Responsibilities

Once a child referral has been received, I will contact the parent or guardian, discuss with them any developmental concerns they have, get written permission to conduct or schedule necessary evaluations to determine if the child would be eligible for any special services provided by the school system.  Every day brings new experiences and expectations.  An eligibility committee determines if  the child is eligible for service.  At this time an individual plan is developed for the child.  Some preschool children attend other center based preschools.  As a resource person, I will be available to help provide service to the teacher and child as needed and transition to an appropriate school program as the child becomes age eligible.