Welcome to Exceptional Student Services

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) ensures that public education agencies in Arizona have special education programs, policies, and procedures that comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations, and that eligible children and youth with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). ESS provides professional learning opportunities, provides technical assistance to schools, supports the needs of families of students with disabilities, monitors schools for compliance with the regulations that implement the IDEA, and administers the IDEA Entitlement grant.

Special Education Guidance for COVID-19

Components of Exceptional Student Services

About ESS Understanding Special Education ESS Updates Parents and Families

Professional Learning & Sustainability Program Support & Monitoring Early Childhood Special Education Special Projects Dispute Resolution

Data Management Program Management Vouchers

Page revised May 9, 2022

From the Exceptional Student Services Blog

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION INFO: Create your own Grow Your Own program! Thu, Sep 22 2022 Professional Learning and Sustainability, Updates

Special Education Directors,

ADE/ESS is acutely aware of the shortage of qualified special education teachers and related service providers across Arizona. ESS has multiple activities and programs to support PEAs to confront this shortage every school year. The ESS Recruitment and Retention team has created Developing a Grow Your Own Program: A Guide for Special Education Administrators as a reference as you consider developing and implementing a Grow Your Own program as part of your own recruitment and retention efforts.

INTERNAL PD OPPORTUNITY: Assistive Technology Integration for All Students with Kelli Suding Thu, Sep 22 2022 Updates, Assistive Technology Upcoming Events, Assistive Technology

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is excited to announce the 2022–2023 National Presenter Series with Kelli Suding, MEd. This workshop is designed for special educators and related service providers.

“Assistive Technology Integration for All Students”

Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Time: 8:30 a.m.−3:30 p.m.