The purpose of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is to ensure the appropriate education of all students by establishing high expectations, removing barriers for students and teachers, modeling effective practices and sharing information and expertise. Programs and services are available for students ages 3 through 22 with autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disabilities, hearing impairments, multiple disabilities, intellectual disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, traumatic brain injuries and visual impairments.

The primary focus of ESE is to help students access the general education curriculum. Each student’s educational needs are identified in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and are met through the use of a variety of instructional and behavioral strategies. Classroom adaptations may include progress monitoring, extended time for completing assignments and other specialized assistance with class work, assignments and tests.

Eligible students are served in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their identified needs. An ESE teacher may work with a general education teacher to adapt classroom materials and instruction or may work directly with students in a general education classroom, an ESE classroom or an alternative school.

Speech, language, physical and occupational therapies; counseling and behavioral support services; assistive technologies; transitional services and the like are delivered as the IEP requires in order to support the ESE instructional program.

Screening, evaluation and referral services are available to preschool children ages 3 through 5 through the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (Child Find). Parents of preschool children who believe their child may be developmentally delayed or would like more information can contact the program by calling 1-800-533-0326.