Exceptional Student Services
Success in School, Success in Life
The purpose of Exceptional Student Services is to turn our vision that Every Learner Thrives into reality by ensuring that all students can access and engage in learning & experience belonging in their school communities.
We do this by:
Examining systems to inform district actions that drive continuous improvement and remove barriers to equity so that the Civil Rights of students with disabilities are honored across the district with consistency and respect.
Building collaborative partnerships with educators and families so that schools have increased capacity to value, honor and engage students’ needs holistically and ensure inclusivity of all students.
Providing specialized services and therapeutic support to students so that students' comprehensive and individualized needs are met.
Special Education services are provided at all DPS schools and DPS charter schools. In addition, for those students whose IEPs require it, Special Education provides extended supports for students who need Extended School Year services, Homebound services, or facility placements.
The Special Services Teams support students with disabilities on Individualized Education Plans and Section 504 Plans, as well as students in general education in the areas of Audiology, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education, Educational Sign Language Interpreting, Vision Education, including Brailling, Orientation and Mobility services, Occupational and Physical Therapy services, and Speech-Language services.
The Mental Health and Student Safety Team advocates, collaborates, and educates to promote resilience and belonging for all students. We support the mental health and well-being of students through culturally-responsive prevention and intervention services. This includes work encompassing student safety supports, services for students with disabilities, mental health evaluation and intervention, and substance use prevention and intervention.
Nursing Services promotes optimal physical, social, and emotional wellness of our school community. Our focus is to enhance the educational process by maximizing and protecting the overall health status of school age youth.