Office of Special Education

Head of the Department:

Idalyn Hauss, Executive Director of Special Education

Sub Departments:

Mission Statement:

The Office of Special Education includes offices organized to provide centralized management of the provision of services for students with disabilities. The Office of the Executive Director of Special Education includes the Departments of Special Education Administration, Related Services, Compensatory Services, Special Education Monitoring and Compliance, Student Learning Support and Data Monitoring, Compliance and Support. The offices support the implementation of school; area based, and centralized activities required by the BCPSS Vaughn G. Consent Decree. The mission of this organization is to focus on activities that support the philosophy that the BCPSS is a unified service system that builds the capacity of every school to serve the entire student population by:

• Planning, developing and implementing a coordinated system of special education and
  related services for students with disabilities designed to meet student needs and increase opportunities for school achievement and postsecondary success.
• Managing and supervising BCPSS special education programs and related services.
• Managing the process of admission to special education programs, placement of students, and other activities related to compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Developing and revising BCPSS policies and procedures to reflect changes in federal, state and local rules and regulations regarding students with disabilities.
• Focusing on systemic initiatives that result in improving and providing quality instruction for all students.
• Complying with all requirements of the Vaughn G. Consent Decree.
  

What We Do:

The Office of Special Education is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities (birth to 21) living in the BCPSS jurisdiction receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in compliance with legal mandates. Special education and related services are provided as stipulated by the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP). These services are provided in a continuum of settings, including regular education classes, resource rooms, self-contained classes, public, separate special education centers and nonpublic special education schools. Students with disabilities are educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) with the appropriate supports and accommodations to promote high achievement and postsecondary success for every student.

Contact Information:

200 E. North Avenue
Room 204
Baltimore, MD 21202

410-396-8900