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Exceptional Student Education
About
Every student deserves to thrive. We offer one of Michigan’s most comprehensive sets of services for students with exceptionalities, supporting more than 7,000 learners from birth to age 26. Our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) team works closely with families to ensure students with IEPs, 504 plans, and Gifted & Talented needs get the right support—so they can access strong academics, meaningful opportunities, and full school experiences.
Some students receive services at one of our Inclusion Sites, determined through the IEP process. Explore the programs and schools available below.
Programs
We are committed to ensuring every student has access to the supports they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs provide individualized services, specialized instruction, and therapeutic supports designed to meet students’ unique learning, developmental, and health needs—while honoring family voice and student strengths. Together with families, schools, and community partners, we work to create inclusive learning environments that support students across all stages of their educational journey.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
We support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing thoughtful evaluations, personalized supports, and learning environments that help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally from preschool through post-secondary.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Wayne County's only Total Communication program supports Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with flexible, language-rich instruction that meets each learner’s unique needs, from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Early Intervention Diagnostic Center
The EIDC supports young children (birth–5 years) and their families with developmental evaluations, individualized service planning, and early learning experiences at home or in the center to help children grow and thrive.
Emotional Impairment
We support students with emotional impairments through individualized services that promote emotional well-being, positive behavior, and academic success in supportive learning environments.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
The District identifies and supports high-ability learners with engaging enrichment, challenge-focused instruction, and opportunities to grow academically and creatively. Click to explore eligibility, program benefits, and ways to get involved.
Homebound and Hospitalized Instruction
Students who are temporarily unable to attend school due to medical needs receive instructional support to stay engaged in learning and connected to their school community.
Post-Secondary Transition Support
We support families of students ages 18 and older by providing guidance, resources, and planning tools to help students transition to adulthood, independence, and post-secondary opportunities.
Learn More
Common Learning Support Programs
Learn how DPSCD supports students with common learning needs through targeted instruction, classroom supports, and individualized services designed to help students succeed academically and socially.
Specialized Learning Support Programs
Learn how our Specialized Learning & Health Support Programs provide individualized instruction, therapies, and services to help students with complex learning and health needs build skills, confidence, and independence.
Services
Our district provides a wide range of services designed to remove barriers to learning and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Our teams work closely with families and schools to deliver individualized supports, accommodations, and therapies that help students fully participate in school and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Services are coordinated with care, consistency, and a focus on student strengths—ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Early Intervention Diagnostic Center
The EIDC supports young children (birth–5 years) and their families with developmental evaluations, individualized service planning, and early learning experiences at home or in the center to help children grow and thrive.
Occupational & Physical Therapy
Our occupational and physical therapy services help students develop the motor, sensory, and functional skills needed to participate fully in school and daily activities.
Learn More
Psychological Services
School psychologists support students’ learning and well-being through assessment, consultation, and interventions that strengthen academic, social, and emotional growth.
School Social Work
School social workers partner with students, families, and schools to address social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that impact student success.
Section 504
Learn how Section 504 supports students with disabilities by providing accommodations and access to the full school experience. Click to explore eligibility, how plans are developed, and how to request support.
Speech & Hearing Center
The Hearing Center provides specialized services, evaluations, and support for students with hearing needs, helping ensure access to communication and learning.
Records Requests
Need copies of your child’s special education records? Learn how to request evaluation reports, IEP documents, and other important information to stay informed and involved in your student’s education.
Post-Secondary Transition Support
We support families of students ages 18 and older by providing guidance, resources, and planning tools to help students transition to adulthood, independence, and post-secondary opportunities.
Parent Advisory Committee
Learn how the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) gives families a voice in special education and supports parents as partners in their child’s learning.
Initiatives
The district's Exceptional Student Education initiatives expand learning opportunities, celebrate student strengths, and promote inclusion beyond the classroom. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and enrichment experiences, we support students in developing their talents, building confidence, and engaging fully in school and community life. These initiatives reflect our commitment to equity, access, and empowering every student to reach their full potential.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
The District identifies and supports high-ability learners with engaging enrichment, challenge-focused instruction, and opportunities to grow academically and creatively. Click to explore eligibility, program benefits, and ways to get involved.
Special Olympics
Discover how the District's Special Olympics program gives students with disabilities the chance to train, compete, build confidence, and form friendships through year-round sports and unified activities that bring all students together.
START Initiative
Learn how the START Initiative supports students with autism by building inclusive school environments, strengthening staff and family partnerships, and helping students feel connected, confident, and ready to succeed.
Evaluation Process
If there are concerns that a student may have a disability, the school works with families to complete an evaluation to better understand the student’s needs. This evaluation helps determine whether a student is eligible for special education services and what supports may be most helpful. A team of professionals with experience in the areas being reviewed takes part in the evaluation process. Families are an important part of this team and are included throughout each step.
The information below provides a general overview of the referral, evaluation, and placement process. Because every student is unique, the process may look slightly different based on individual needs.
Process Timeline
Step 1: Referral & Parent Notification
When a student may need additional support, a referral is made and families are notified. The school connects with parents or caregivers to discuss concerns and next steps.
Step 2: Parent Consent & Your Rights
Before any evaluations begin, families are asked to provide written consent. Parents also receive information about their rights and protections throughout the process.
Step 3: Evaluation
A team of specialists completes a comprehensive evaluation to better understand the student’s strengths and needs. This may include observations, assessments, and a review of academic and developmental information.
Step 4: Eligibility Decision
The evaluation team reviews the results and determines whether the student is eligible for special education services under state and federal guidelines.
Step 5: IEP Development
If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created with input from the family. The IEP outlines goals, supports, services, and accommodations tailored to the student.
Step 6: Placement & Ongoing Support
The team identifies the most appropriate learning environment and begins services. The IEP is reviewed regularly and updated as the student grows and their needs change.
Learn About Your Child's IEP
Learn how your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed with your input, what rights you have as a parent or caregiver, and how you are an essential part of the team supporting your student’s goals, services, and success in school.