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Division of Specialized Support Services → Special Education Services

On the Road to a Safe School Year

Ready to ride, MCPS?
Bus routes are now posted! Families can find their student’s bus route on the Division of Transportation Services website or on the front page of their school’s website.
As we kick off a new school year, take a few minutes to review school bus safety tips, including expectations for getting on and off the bus and staying safe while riding. And remember, buses may run late due to traffic, congestion, student support and other factors.
With more than 1,200 bus routes serving 100,000+ students each day, we appreciate your patience and partnership in keeping our students safe!
 
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Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (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.

SECAC meets next on Thursday, September 24 at 7PM

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Student Transition Day is on 8/24

Student Transition Day is coming up Monday, Aug. 24. This marks the second year MCPS will kick off a new school year with Transition Day.

What is the goal of Student Transition Day?
Student Transition Day is a non-instructional school day focused on helping students adjust to new school environments, routines and expectations. Students will get a head start on navigating their new school. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Find out more information about Transition Day

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MCPS Family Support Center

MCPS Family Support Center provides information to families to include resources, answering questions, hosting virtual support sessions, and upcoming events.

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
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Announcement:

Full Paid Tuition: Earn your Master of Education M.Ed. this Fall 2026 Maryland ABLE Accounts Overview - 9/17 TRYathlon at Longview School Share Your Story | Highlights Schedule to attend our virtual SECAC meetings A Culture of Action! Calling 9-1-1 in a crisis New degree program for Paraprofessionals New! Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, & Accomodations Guide

Sections

Family Support

Contact Us

Special Education Services
Shannon M. Farmer, Director

Special Education and Related Services
Dr. Lisa M. Gaillard-Jones, Director

Inclusive and Specialized Learning Supports
Dr. LaTonya R. Williams, Director

Special Education Compliance
Vernetta Christian, Director

Special Education Prekindergarten, Programs and Services
Erica W. Williams, Director

Central Placement Unit
Floyd R. Branch III, Acting Supervisor

Family Support Center
MaryBeth Mantzouranis

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

Rebecca Walawender
Director, Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch 
rebecca.walawender@maryland.gov

Frequently Visited

Special Education 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.

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.

Corrective Actions Progress Report

(Dept. of Compliance & Investigations)

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