Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
All school districts providing educational services to children admitted or committed to residential institutions of the Office of Mental Health are authorized to count children admitted or committed to residential institutions of the Office of Mental Health from the first day of residency in such institutions, provided, that the first day is within the particular district's school year. The inclusion of these children is for the purpose of participation in the districts' educational programs for handicapped children supported under the Education Finance Act of South Carolina.