Developmental Cognitive Delay JoAnn Nathan, M.Ed., is the Developmental Cognitive Delay Teacher at Randolph Heights. Once a student has been assessed and qualifies for special education in the area of Developmental Cognitive Delay (DCD), they have their own individual education plan (IEP) written. The IEP is based on their assessed needs and has year long goals and objectives for learning. Basic reading, math and written language are emphasized as well as day to day life skills.