Department of Special Services

Mission

The mission of the Department of Special Services is to provide a planned program of instructional, psychological, social, and related services to help schools meet the unique needs of identified students and their families. The department provides a network of support to staff, students, and families that eliminates obstacles, facilitates instruction, and enables students to succeed as individuals within the learning environment. Through instructional leadership, curriculum development, program evaluation, staff development, and support for alternative, special education, and student services programs, the department ensures that all program areas in schools are fully supported and able to comply with fiscal, legal, and personnel requirements.

Areas of Responsibility

The department is organized into the following four offices of responsibility to provide effective and efficient services to FCPS employees, parents, and the community:

Intervention and Prevention Services

The Office of Intervention and Prevention Services advances a comprehensive, integrated approach to student behavioral health, wellness, and readiness to learn. The office leads the development and implementation of prevention, early intervention, and crisis response systems that support the whole child and promote safe, supportive learning environments across the division. Core functions include the design and delivery of:

• Prevention and education systems that build positive relationships, strengthen social and emotional competencies, and foster inclusive school climates
• Assessment and intervention services to identify and support students experiencing behavioral health and wellness challenges
• Crisis response and postvention supports to ensure coordinated, effective responses during and after critical incidents 

 The Office of Intervention and Prevention Services also ensures equitable access to services through the alignment of school-based supports, division resources, and community partnerships. Intervention and Prevention Services oversees   School Psychology Services , Social Work Services , Student Safety and Wellness ,   Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) , and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) . Together, these programs provide a coordinated system of supports that strengthens student well-being, promotes positive outcomes, and ensures all students are prepared to learn and thrive.

Operations & Strategic Planning

The Office of Operations and Strategic Planning ensures that Department of Special Services programs and special education students are adequately supported in their fiscal, data, and information requirements. Operations and Strategic Planning services include data management, financial management, web development, and  school health services .

Special Education Instruction

The Office of Special Education Instruction directs and supports the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of preK–12 educational programs, curricula, and services that meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. The office plans and provides professional development for staff and administrators and provides instructional leadership and supervision, coordination, and evaluation of early childhood, elementary, secondary, career and transition programs and services.

Special Education Procedural Support

The Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. Personnel serve as intermediaries and resources to internal and external programs to facilitate the implementation of federal, state, and local regulations supporting students who have a disability or are suspected of having a disability.