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  • The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department provides support and services to students with disabilities (SWD) who are eligible for special education services. Hillsborough County Public Schools serve over 30,000 students with disabilities, ages birth through 21, in over 250 schools. A continuum of services is provided in a variety of settings, which include general education classrooms, resource rooms, special classes, specialized day schools, and hospital homebound. Services for many SWD can be provided at their neighborhood school. Eligible students are provided supports and/or services per their Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is based on each child’s unique needs. Supplemental services are provided in collaboration with discretionary projects such as Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System, Florida Inclusion Network, and the Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET).
  • Instructional Support

    Instructional Support

    Students with Disabilities (SWD) receive instruction with specialized instructional supports that are provided by both general education and special education teachers. For many students with disabilities - and for many without - success in the classroom depends upon having appropriate adaptations, accommodations and modifications made to the instruction and any other classroom activities.

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  • Behavior Supports

    The Behavior Supports program may serve individuals that require intensive behavioral interventions and supports. Students may receive behavioral interventions and supports such as a classroom behavior management system, instruction through social skills curriculum, individual behavior contract, individual positive behavior intervention plan, counseling as a related service, and/or point level system.

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  • Compliance and Staffing

    Compliance & Staffing

    The Compliance and Staffing department assists the General Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in the provision of services to students with disabilities and their families, and to school and district staff, to ensure that district processes, procedures and policies align with all federal laws and regulations, Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.

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  • PreK

    PreK

    The Hillsborough County Public Schools Prekindergarten ESE Program provides services for approximately 2,800 children, ages three to five, who have a developmental delay/disability which requires specialized instruction. This educational environment offers many opportunities for active learning experiences in key developmental areas.

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  • Transition

    Transition

    Secondary transition refers to the process a student with a disability goes through as they move from high school to postsecondary endeavors, including postsecondary education, employment and independent living. In Florida, this begins at age 14 or earlier and may not end until 22 for students with significant disabilities.

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  • Dispute Resolution

    Dispute Resolution

    Parents of students with disabilities and school districts sometimes disagree as to what special education and related services are appropriate. Resolving differences or concerns in the least adversarial manner and closest to the school level is the best way.

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