S.C. Code Ann. § 59-21-560: Annual surveys and determination of eligibility for special education services by local school authorities.

(1) County superintendents of education, with the cooperation of school boards and other school officials in the various counties of the State and with the special assistance of the county attendance teachers, shall make an annual survey to determine the number of physically and mentally handicapped children in the respective counties and school districts and shall report results of such survey to the State Superintendent of Education in such manner as the State Superintendent of Education may require.

(2) It is the responsibility of the local school authorities, with the assistance of the State Department of Education, to determine by tests and special examination what pupils are eligible for special education services. No handicapped child shall be considered eligible for special education services except upon a certified diagnosis of a defect by competent and appropriate professional authorities acceptable to the State Department of Education.