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).

Special Education

• Assistance and Contacts
• Citizens' Advisory Committee for Special Education
• Inclement Weather Days and County IEP Meeting
• Infants & Toddlers
• Information for Parents Transferring to SMCPS
• Maryland Learning Links
• Maryland Parent Rights Documents and Resources
• MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletins
• MSDE State Complaint Forms and Information
• Partners for Success Resource Center for Families and Schools
• Programs
• Secondary Transition
• Staffing Plan FY24
• Virtual Academy