The mission of Pinellas County Schools (PCS), the office of Exceptional Student Education (ESE), is to provide services that support individualized learning opportunities for all students with exceptionalities.

How Can We Help?

Our department staff are dedicated to providing professional assistance and guidance to all stakeholders of a student's education.

Parents/guardians, students, district staff, and community members all make a difference to a student's success.   In the event there is a concern, a need for resources, process guidance requests, or a concern that cannot be addressed at the school-based level, we are here and available. Additionally, our department develops and provides ESE training, supports teams in meetings and conferences.  Further, the ESE department hosts district-wide special events and parent forums. The PCS ESE department is committed to making a difference to students with disabilities. 

Remember

Partnering with your school-based team is the first  recommended step in supporting  student success.  Having a working relationship with those that work with your child/student on a daily/weekly basis is an important piece of the solution. 

Create an ongoing line of communication with your student’s educational providers. Each ESE student is assigned a classroom teacher and case manager. At times, a student's teacher may be the assigned case manager. The case manager is the point person that oversees the ESE processes, compliance, and progress for an individual student.   Unresolved issues can be brought to the attention of the school-based administrator, and/or school-based ESE Compliance staff. 

Protections

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides federal funding for the education of children with disabilities and requires, with the receipt of these funds, the provision of a free appropriate education (FAPE). The statute also contains detailed due process provisions to ensure the provision of FAPE. As a parent, you are entitled to information about your rights under I.D.E.A.. This information is critical to ensuring that you have the opportunity to be a partner in the educational decisions made regarding your child.

Contact Us

For assistance regarding Exceptional Student Education(ESE) services, please call the Pinellas County Schools, ESE Department at 727-588-6032.