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.

Special Education Guidance for COVID-19

Components of Exceptional Student Services

About ESSUnderstanding Special EducationESS UpdatesParents and Families

 

Professional Learning & SustainabilityProgram Support & MonitoringEarly Childhood Special EducationSpecial ProjectsDispute Resolution

 

Data ManagementProgram ManagementVouchers

 

Page revised May 9, 2022

From the Exceptional Student Services Blog

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT: Special Education Data Updates Webinar Wednesday, February 15th Thu, Jan 26 2023 Data Management, Updates

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT       

Special Education Data Updates Webinar Wednesday, February 15th 

   The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will host the next Special Education Data Updates live webinar on Wednesday, February 15th, from 2pm – 3pm. This session will cover a variety of data topics that will include (subject to change):   

  • Reminders 
  • Trending topics 
  • Top 3 Integrity Errors 
  • Q&A        
SPED RECRUITMENT & RETENTION UPDATE: GETSET/SETTA Applications now available! Due February 24, 2023 Mon, Jan 23 2023 Professional Learning and Sustainability, Updates

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS Professional Learning and Sustainability unit is pleased to announce two “grow your own” opportunities for educators in Arizona public schools.

  • The General Education Teacher to Special Education Teacher (GETSET) program provides tuition reimbursement to certified general education teachers who want to pursue a career change to become certified in an area of special education. 
     
  • The Special Education Teacher Tuition Assistance (SETTA) program provides tuition reimbursement to paraprofessionals and educational interpreters that leads to special education teaching certification.