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.

Timely Information

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 25, 2023

From the Special Education Blog

INTERNAL PD INFO: Special Education Check-In Meeting - Thursday, September 21- 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Tue, Sep 19 2023

Please join ADE/ESS for the next Special Education Professionals Check-In on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

INTERNAL PD INFO: ADE/ESS Virtual Math Professional Learning Offerings for September and October 2023 Tue, Sep 12 2023

Please share the following math professional learning opportunities with general and special education teachers who teach mathematics.