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Special Education

Department of Special Education

  • The St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is responsible for providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities from birth through the age of 21 regardless of the severity of their disability.
  • Parents and/or guardians shall be provided a verbal and written explanation of their Parental Rights: Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice and a Parents' Guide to Habilitative Services.
  • Students typically receive instruction in the general education classroom with the necessary accommodations and adaptations provided by the general and special education staff.
  • Decisions regarding the placement of a child with a disability is in consultation with the parents or guardians of the child and consistent with the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).