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Special Education → Parent Engagement
SEAC is comprised of parents/guardians, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff members, and representatives of Montgomery County community groups that advocate for students with special needs and serve to advocate for, and advise, the Office of Special Education.
SEAC hosts a 2-hour meeting each month, open to everyone. Parents, families, advocates, educators are all encouraged to participate each month through the academic year.
As our school district continues to navigate through COVID-19, we want our families and students to remain engaged with us throughout the school year. Student, Family and School Services is very excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual presentations for families to participate and view at home.
Parent Academy TO GO is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities hosted by MCPS staff and community partners, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.
The Maryland State Department of Education has developed Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Individualized Education Program (IEP) Rights and Responsibilities in Maryland which summarizes all rights that parents have such as notice, disagreement, participation, and copies of certain documentation.
If you have further questions regarding your parental rights, you may refer to the Parental Rights, Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice, contact your child’s case manager at the school, or contact the Resolution and Compliance Unit at 240-740-3230.
Resolution and Compliance Unit
Department of Special Education Services
Local Family Support Contact: Mr. Philip A. Lynch
(240) 740-3900
Family support staff are committed to provide information to parents and families to work as equal partners. Family support is provided through the Department of Special Education Services (DSES).
The Department of Special Education Services (DSES) is initiating parent-to-parent supports for parents/guardians who are entering the Individualized Education Programs (IEP) process for the first time by providing quarterly cluster special education workshops held in their communities.
To improve the academic performance and achievement of students with disabilities, DSES ensures access to Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) curricula and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). DSES is responsible for the implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans and IEPs, monitors access to rigorous high-quality instruction for students with disabilities, offers a broad range of early intervention services, and supports the development of appropriate skills to prepare students for postsecondary opportunities upon attaining a high school diploma or Maryland High School Certificate of Completion to access the pathways to college and workforce readiness.