Special Education

The Office of Special Education monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by local education agencies to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education.

These pages include information on requirements, supports, and resources that are important to students who experience disabilities as well as parents, families, guardians, and those who support them.

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The following areas in the Office of Special Education and DESE assist with the work of improving the outcomes of students who experience disabilities.

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Monitors special education programs, approves private agencies, and oversees child complaints.
Coordinates the collection, analysis, and reporting data.
Works to improve special education services for students with disabilities.
Calculates and distributes IDEA/Special Education funding to school districts.
Provides information on various improvement initiatives that are supported by the Office of Special Education.
Provides programs related to childcare, home visiting, early learning, early innovations and afterschool programs for school-aged children.
Helps to provide employment for individuals with disabilities through public-private non-profit partnerships.