Join this 3-part virtual series that equips parents with strategies, tools, and tips to nurture responsible, kind, engaged, and happy children:
Part 1 (Sept. 10th, 6:30-7:30pm) focuses on fostering connection and self-regulation.
Part 2 (Sept. 17th, 6:30-7:30pm) delves into understanding and shaping motivation.
Part 3 (Sept. 24th, 6:30-7:30pm) addresses building a healthy relationship with technology, providing insights and actionable steps for effective parenting.
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.
• Connect with other special education families.
• Learn first-hand about important issues and policies impacting schools.
• Participate in meetings with guest speakers and presentations.
• Opportunities to share your concerns and suggestions with MCPS.
• Become an advocate for the special education community.
MCPS Family Support Center provides information to families to include resources, answering questions, hosting virtual support sessions, and upcoming events.
September 2024 Events Bulletin
2023-24 - MSDE Parent Information Series to include:
Towson University is starting a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education, Dual Certification Program, for eligible paraprofessionals currently employed by MCPS. USG, for its part, will pay the remaining tuition cost of the program for all participants not covered by the MCPS tuition contribution.
Under the new initiative, which will run through FY2028, USG will fund two cohorts of up to 20 students each, with the degree program designed to equip paraprofessionals with the necessary skills and credentials to transition into certified teachers. Participants will all be current employees of MCPS, each of whom will continue in their current paid MCPS positions while enrolled. A mix of in-person and remote learning instruction will be provided, with all in-person instruction taking place on the USG campus in Rockville.
Join our next SECAC meeting on Sept. 26
Schedule to attend our virtual SECAC meetings:
SECAC 2024-25 Event Calendar | Español
Rescources from 2023-24 SECAC meetings
M.Ed.- Special Education program @ USG
Virtual info for teaching in Special Education
New degree program for Paraprofessionals
Now Hiring: Speech-Language Pathologists
Office of Special Education
Ms. Diana K. Wyles, Associate Superintendent: (240) 740-3042
Office of Special Education
Ms. Brenda B. Browne, Assistant to Associate Superintendent: (240) 740-3038
Department of Special Education Services
Mrs. Kia Middleton-Murphy, Director: (240) 740-3900
Division of Special Education Prekindergarten, Programs and Services
Mrs. Erica W. Williams, Director: (240) 740-3880
Division of Business, Fiscal and Information Systems
Mrs. Julie S. Hall, Director: (240) 740-3850
Central Placement Unit
Ms. Joanne C. Hoffman, Supervisor: (240) 740-3830
Resolution & Compliance Unit
Mr. Gerald L. Loiacono, Supervisor: (240) 740-3230
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 Office of Special Education (OSE) 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. OSE 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), OSE 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.
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.
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