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SPECIALIZED SUPPORT SERVICES

Making Mornings More Manageable

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Virtual Event | Free

In this session, Monica Kelly and Christina Semanchik will share practical tips to help your family’s morning routine smoother and more predictable. You will learn how to reduce stress, create helpful routines and support your child in starting the day feeling calm and ready.

Visit registration page: https://pathfindersforautism.org/makingmorningsmanageable/
Sponsored by Behavioral Framework and Pathfinders for Autism.

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Enjoy Your Summer Break!

As the school year wraps up, the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education has a special message for students, staff, and families: have a safe, restful, and fun summer! 

In this end-of-year video, BOE members share highlights from the past year, offer heartfelt thanks to everyone in the MCPS community, and send warm wishes for a joyful and rejuvenating break.

Enjoy the summer — we’ll see you back in the fall, ready for another year of learning and growth!

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Join SECAC in September

SECAC hosts monthly meetings in a virtual setting to collaborate with families, community groups, advocates, and MCPS staff for the purpose of enhancing special education services & outcomes for students.

  • Connect with other special education families.
    • Learn first-hand about important issues and policies impacting schools.
    • Participate in meetings with guest speakers and presentations.
    • Opportunities to share your concerns and suggestions with MCPS.
    • Become an advocate for the special education community.
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Announcement:

End-of-Year Message & Summer Wishes

911 Safety Kits & tips provided by PFA

Join our SECAC meetings this September

Schedule to attend our virtual SECAC meetings:

SECAC 2024-25 Event Calendar | Español

M.Ed.- Special Education program @ USG

Virtual info for teaching in Special Education

New degree program for Paraprofessionals

Now Hiring: Speech-Language Pathologists

New! Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, & Accomodations Guide

Sections

 

Family Support

 

Contact Us

Division of Specialized Support Services
(240) 740-3042 

Special Education Services
(240) 740-3900

Division of Special Education Prekindergarten, Programs and Services
Mrs. Erica W. Williams, Director: (240) 740-3880 

Department of Special Education Systems & Management
Mrs. Julie S. Hall, Director: (240) 740-3850 

Central Placement Unit
Ms. Joanne C. Hoffman, Supervisor: (240) 740-3830

Resolution & Compliance Unit
Mr. Gerald L. Loiacono, Supervisor: (240) 740-3230 

Family Support Center
Ms. MaryBeth Mantzouranis: (240) 753-9487

The MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources. 

Maryland State Department of Education, Early Intervention and Special Education Services 

Mr. Ken Hudock, Section Chief, Family Support Services: (410) 767-0255 or kenneth.hudock@maryland.gov 

Frequently Visited

 

                     

Division of Specialized Support Services

The Mission of the Division of Specialized Support Services (DSSS) is to provide, implement, and monitor the delivery of a seamless continuum of services for students with disabilities from birth through age 21, to prepare for college, career, and community readiness. DSSS supports schools to ensure the success of every student with disabilities by supporting families through the IEP process and in their student’s education.

MCPS provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities in need of special education and related services. 

 

Services

MCPS Services to Support Families

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In support of the core values of the MCPS strategic planning framework and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), DSSS is committed to promoting improved academic achievement and social emotional success for all students with disabilities. Parents/guardians are valued partners with school staff members in planning the student’s services through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) decision-making process. All decisions regarding the placement of a student with a disability will be made by an IEP team in collaboration with parents/guardians consistent with the requirements of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Services by Age Group

Preschool


Secondary Services (Grades 6-12)

Elementary Services (K-5)

MCPS Family Support Center

MCPS Family Support Center seeks to:

  • Increase parental involvement in the early intervention and special education decision making process.
  • Increase collaborative relationships through information and training.
  • Assist families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child's education.
  • Provide information about disabilities and school system and community resources.

MSDE Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch

MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.

Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Manual

Parents' Guide to Habilitative Services (English) |  Spanish

IDEA Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison Chart

Parent Information Series on Procedural Safeguards

Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice

Procedural Safeguards/Parent Rights Brochure

Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedures

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State Complaint Form (Part B)

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State Complaint Form - Part C

Request for Mediation and Due Process Complaint Form

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Listing of Free or Low Cost Assistance for Special Education Disputes

A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education State Complaints

A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Mediation

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A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Due Process Complaints

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Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident Reporting  

Upon receipt of MCPS Form 230-35, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form, the school principal/designee must promptly conduct an adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation. The investigation must be documented by completing this form. Principal/Designee must use this form, MCPS Form 230-36, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Investigation Form, to promptly and appropriately investigate reports of bullying, harassment, or intimidation consistent with due process rights, within two school days after receipt of a reporting form or as timely as possible for school administration or administrative designee.