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Division of Specialized Support Services → Special Education Services

Help MCPD Create a Culture of Action in 2026

The Montgomery County Police - Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Unit has worked to create what is now a “Culture of Action” in Montgomery County.

A CULTURE OF ACTION! WEBINAR

*Download the handouts

This webinar addresses:

  • reasons why individuals might elope
  • safety preventive measures parents and caregivers can put into place
  • what information is most beneficial for police if your loved one goes missing

MCPS Families & MC Police Dept. are Saving Lives! NPR REPORT

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Tips: Using Maryland ABLE

by Kelly Nelson, Maryland ABLE
 
MCPS & PFA invites you to join us for Tips: Using Maryland ABLE
Presented virtually on January 13, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 
Maryland ABLE is a savings program which seeks to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save and invest money that is not counted towards asset limitations set by means-tested benefit programs such as Medicaid or SSI. “Asset limits” prevent people with disabilities from saving money beyond $2,000 (a typical asset limit) and planning for their future.
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Join SECAC on January 22

SECAC meets on Thursday, January 22 at 7PM

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.
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Announcement:

Join our next SECAC meeting on January 22

Resources from our December SECAC

Transition-Services Monthly Coffee Sessions

Meet the Division of Specialized Support Services

Schedule to attend our virtual SECAC meetings:

SECAC 2025-26 Event Calendar | Español

M.Ed.- Special Education program @ USG

New degree program for Paraprofessionals

New! Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, & Accomodations Guide

Let's Talk Transitions: Parent Discussion Group

911 Safety Kits & tips provided by PFA

Sections

 

Family Support

 

Contact Us

Special Education Services
Jada Langston, Director

Special Education Compliance
Vernetta Christian, Director

Special Education Prekindergarten, Programs and Services
Mrs. Erica W. Williams, Director

Central Placement Unit
Ms. Joanne C. Hoffman, Supervisor

Family Support Center
Ms. MaryBeth Mantzouranis

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

 

                     

 

Special Education 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.

Services by Age Group

Preschool


Secondary Services (Grades 6-12)

Elementary Services (K-5)

MCPS Family Support Center

MCPS Family Support Center seeks to:

  • Increase parental involvement in the early intervention and special education decision making process.
  • Increase collaborative relationships through information and training.
  • Assist families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child's education.
  • Provide information about disabilities and school system and community resources.

MSDE Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch

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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State Complaint Form (Part B)

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State Complaint Form - Part C

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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Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident Reporting  

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.