The Department of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is located in the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida, 33966. 

Through the Exceptional Student Education Department, the District offers a free and appropriate public education in compliance with the federally mandated Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).  A continuum of services and programs is available to meet the individual needs of students requiring special education, ages 3 through 21.  Services and related services are provided per an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and are based on each child’s unique needs, as related to present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.

The continuum of services may be provided in a variety of settings, which include general classrooms, resource rooms, separate full-time or near full-time classrooms, specialized center schools, and hospital homebound.  The IEP team, which includes parent input, determines the amount and frequency of special education services and regular education participation.  Numerous service delivery models are available in Lee County, including general education, intensive reading, collaborative-teaching, communication disorders, and full-time center schools.  Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Behavioral Support, Counseling and Special Transportation are also provided as needed.  Special education services are provided for  children and young adults with learning disabilities,developmental disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, language or speech impairments, visual impairments, autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, other health impairment, and developmental delay.

The Exceptional Student Education Department (Special Education) coordinates the provision of programs with the District’s School Assignment Office.  Special education services are provided in all of the three  attendance zones – East, West and South.  With the exception of very specialized low-incidence programs, students will attend a school within the geographical school attendance zone of residence.  Parents and students who are moving to Lee County from another district in Florida, or from out of state, should contact the School Assignment Office for information regarding enrollment and special education services within each of the district’s school attendance zones.

The Florida Department of Education is conducting a parent survey which can be accessed at the following link: www.ESEsurvey.com. There are 2 surveys; one for parents of Pre K children and one for students in grades K-12.  Both English and Spanish are provided.  If you do not have access to a computer, call your school to make arrangements to use one of their computers or call FDLRS at  337-8127.  Your input is important!!	April is Autism Awareness Month By presidential proclamation, April 2 of each year has been designated World Autism Awareness Day. A link to this proclamation with accompanying U.S. Department of Health and Human Services autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resources may be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/04/01/presidential-proclamation-world-autism-awareness-day.
Developing Quality Individual Educational Plans: A Guide for Instructional Personnel & Families BRIC Website: http://www.fldoe.org/ese/clerhome.asp Email: BRIC@fldoe.org  Telephone: (850) 245-0477 Fax: (850) 245-0987	Hope Is Possible Grief Camp June 6-9, 2013 (click for information)
Lee County Exceptional Student Education 2012-2013 Links to Community Support/ Resources	Family Care Council ~ April 27th, 2013 Come Celebrate the APD Resource Directory and Learn about Exciting Programs Near You
Do you know about FDLRS? FDLRS Island Coast Mission Statement   FDLRS Island Coast will show respect towards teachers, families, children and other  community agencies while working to improve student learning and support state and district initiatives. Parent Services FDLRS provides information and training, in order to promote effective parent participtaion in the education of children who have unique needs.  FDLRS Island Coast Parent Services Department is here for you! We strive to serve the families and schools involved in the education of every child.  We are available to support in a variety of ways. Visit FDLRS website today!	Project Transition: Lee County