MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Welcome Back, MCPS! We’ve Got a Good Feeling About 2025–2026
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The 1st Day of School for students is Tuesday, August 26
SECAC hosts monthly meetings in a virtual setting to collaborate with families, community groups, advocates, and MCPS staff for the purpose of enhancing special education services & outcomes for students.
Reminder: Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Funding closes on September 15
LISS is a statewide funding program for individuals with developmental disabilities. LISS funding can help individuals who don’t receive DDA funding:
- Improve their quality of life
- Remain in their own homes
- Increase or maintain independence
- Participate in their communities
The program uses a “request form” to gather the necessary information about the person and the services they are seeking. The application process is open until September 15.
For more information about LISS | YouTube Video
Visit application page.
MCPS Family Support Center provides information to families to include resources, answering questions, hosting virtual support sessions, and upcoming events.
MSDE Parent Information Series to include:
Transition Day is Monday, August 25
LISS Funding is Open until Sept 15
Meet the Division of Specialized Support Services
911 Safety Kits & tips provided by PFA
Join our SECAC meetings this September
Schedule to attend our virtual SECAC meetings:
SECAC 2025-26 Event Calendar | Español
M.Ed.- Special Education program @ USG
New degree program for Paraprofessionals
Now Hiring: Speech-Language Pathologists
New! Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, & Accomodations Guide
Division of Specialized Support Services
Dr. Margaret Cage, Chief Student Support Officer (240) 740-3042
Dr. Tyre’ Jenkins, Executive Director (240) 740-3038
Dr. Lisa Gaillard-Jones, Associate Superintendent (240) 740-3045
Special Education Compliance
Vernetta Christian, Director (240) 740-3042
Special Education Prekindergarten, Programs and Services
Mrs. Erica W. Williams, Director: (240) 740-3880
Student Well-Being
Shauna-Kay Jorandby, Director: (240) 740-5641
School Counseling Services
Dr. Karen Crews, Director: (240) 740-3109
Phychological Services
Dr. Christina Conolly-Chester, Director: (240) 740-5640
Student Support and Attendance Services
Steve Neff, Director: (240) 740-5620
Special Education Systems & Management
Mrs. Julie S. Hall, Director: (240) 740-3850
Central Placement Unit
Ms. Joanne C. Hoffman, Supervisor: (240) 740-3830
Family Support Center
Ms. MaryBeth Mantzouranis: (240) 753-9487
The MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
Maryland State Department of Education, Early Intervention and Special Education Services
Mr. Ken Hudock, Section Chief, Family Support Services: (410) 767-0255 or kenneth.hudock@maryland.gov
Frequently Visited
The Mission of the Division of Specialized Support Services (DSSS) is to provide, implement, and monitor the delivery of a seamless continuum of services for students with disabilities from birth through age 21, to prepare for college, career, and community readiness. DSSS supports schools to ensure the success of every student with disabilities by supporting families through the IEP process and in their student’s education.
MCPS provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities in need of special education and related services.
MCPS Services to Support Families
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In support of the core values of the MCPS strategic planning framework and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), DSSS is committed to promoting improved academic achievement and social emotional success for all students with disabilities. Parents/guardians are valued partners with school staff members in planning the student’s services through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) decision-making process. All decisions regarding the placement of a student with a disability will be made by an IEP team in collaboration with parents/guardians consistent with the requirements of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
MCPS Family Support Center seeks to:
MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Manual
Parents' Guide to Habilitative Services (English) | Spanish
IDEA Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison Chart
Parent Information Series on Procedural Safeguards
Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice
Procedural Safeguards/Parent Rights Brochure
Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedures
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Request for Mediation and Due Process Complaint Form
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Listing of Free or Low Cost Assistance for Special Education Disputes
A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education State Complaints
A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Mediation
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A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Due Process Complaints
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Upon receipt of MCPS Form 230-35, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form, the school principal/designee must promptly conduct an adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation. The investigation must be documented by completing this form. Principal/Designee must use this form, MCPS Form 230-36, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Investigation Form, to promptly and appropriately investigate reports of bullying, harassment, or intimidation consistent with due process rights, within two school days after receipt of a reporting form or as timely as possible for school administration or administrative designee.
