A second reading of a policy that would recognize an additional special education category for students is the lone recommendation for consideration on the Natrona County school board's agenda tonight.

The policy would add developmental delay to a list of categories students can fall into when recieving special education services.

Students who are developmentally delayed develop skills significantly slower than their peers. Nine areas - including cognitive, fine motor and social development - are monitored when diagnosing a student with a developmental delay.

Often an additional disability is present, and children can sometimes catch up to their peers.

At the last board meeting, a second reading of recommendations for kindergarten enrollment preferences did not pass. Board members were unsure what next steps would be taken.

The board also approved four different grants totaling more than $350,000. Two of the grants will be put to use by the Natrona County Prevention Coalition. One will be used for school improvement in Midwest and the last will be used for funding an after-school art program at Willard Elementary.

The board's regular session begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Natrona County School District's central office, located at 970 N. Glenn Rd. The public is welcome to attend.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.