Special Programs

Florida State University Schools’ Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program is committed to providing eligible students with a free appropriate public education in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable Florida and Federal laws. Although placement decisions are based on the unique needs of each student, by virtue of being a charter lab school/private employer, FSUS is limited in the programs and services it is able to provide as part of the continuum of placements available to students under the IDEA.

Reference: FSUS Charter 3.03

Special Programs

ESE

At FSUS, we pride ourselves on our inclusive and supportive learning environment, which extends to our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs. Catering to the diverse needs of all learners, our ESE programs are designed to empower students with exceptionalities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through personalized support, specialized instruction, and a commitment to individualized learning plans, we ensure that every student receives the resources and attention they need to reach their full potential. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff work collaboratively with students, families, and community partners to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported on their educational journey.

Procedural Safeguards

IEP vs. 504 Plan

Both an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 plan help students with disabilities get the support they need to succeed in school. IEPs and 504 plans have a number of similarities, but there are also some significant differences.

If your child has a condition that adversely impacts his/her education, a well-written, well-implemented IEP or 504 plan will help ensure that your child gets the support and services they need.

	IEP	504 Plan
Legal Basis	Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)	Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Purpose	To provide individualized special education services for eligible students	To provide students support (accommodations) in the regular classroom setting
Eligibility	To be eligible for an IEP, a child’s school performance must be “adversely affected” by a disability in one of the 13 IDEA disability categories	Students must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning). Section 504 has a broader definition of disability than IDEA
Contents	An IEP is a written document developed by an IEP team. It details a student’s current educational performance, services, goals, accommodations, modifications, placement, and more.	There is no standard form for a 504 plan. Most 504 plans are written, but it’s not a requirement. 504 plans generally include accommodations and information on who provides them.

Parent Resources

Ability 1st Tallahassee

Ability 1st Tallahassee, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida provides a variety of services including access to independence through loans of medical equipment, community education for disability awareness and sensitivity training, a High School High Tech program for youth with disabilities, Independent Living resources, and more. Call 850-575-9621 or visit www.ability1st.info

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Autism Navigator

Big Bend Community Based Care

Cast

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) FSU

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) FSU provides families and professionals with training, free consultation, resources, educational support, individual client and family support, and technical assistance. Newsletter subscription and support groups are available. Family members must register their child to become a client. CARD cannot provide evaluations, diagnoses, therapies or respite care. For more information, call 850-644-4367 or 800-769-7926. Email CARD at autism@med.fsu.edu or visit www.fsucard.com.

Children's Home Society of the Big Bend

Children's Medical Services (CMS)

C-PALMS

Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee

The Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee provides education, support, and resources for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, professionals and the community. The association hosts an annual BuddyWalk, provides a lending library, events, and workshops. Email Dana Rainey (Executive Director) at ExecutiveDirector@dsattallahassee.com and/or visit www.dsatallahassee.com.

Differentiation Central

Disability Rights of Florida

Do 2 Learn

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend helps prepare children for success as they enter school offering assistance including childcare information and referral, Voluntary Pre-K (VPK), First Books, events to promote early literacy, and other resources. Call 850-385-0504 (Leon), 850-627-2924 (Gadsden), 850-666-3972 (Jefferson), 850-584- 5679 (Taylor), 850-552-7377 (Wakulla) or visit www.elcbigbend.org.

Early Steps

Facilitated Individual Educational Plan Video

Family Café

Family Network on Disabilities (FND) & Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN)

First Words Project

First Words Project identifies early signs of developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other communication delays in children from 9 to 24 months of age. Research and resources aim maximize the role of the family and help families support their child’s development and access intervention services. Call 850-488-5780 or visit firstwordsproject.com.

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s mission is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities by providing research-based, innovative, sustainable solutions that address the critical needs and priorities of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Call 800-580-7801 or visit www.fddc.org.

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Child Find

FDLRS Child Find Specialists are available to assist with developmental screenings for children. Contact Mary Petrandis at petrandism@leonschools.net or 850-561-6548.

• Additional county specific contacts:

▪Leon- Brandie Taylor taylorb4@leonschools.net 850-922-2099

▪Gadsden- Armanda Smith smitha@gcpsmail.com 850-627-3861

▪Jefferson- Shirrie Barany sbarany@somersetjefferson.org 850-997-3555

▪Taylor- Betsy Stephens betsy.stephens@taylor.k12.fl.us 850-838-2536

▪Wakulla- Dee Ann Peeples deeann.hughes@wcsb.us 850-926-8111

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent Services

mailto:petrandism@leonschools.net Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent Services provides training, information, and support to parents of children receiving (or who may be in need of) special education services in the following areas:

• Navigating the school system and locating available for academic and/or behavior challenges.

• The Special Education Connection free online resource provided by the Florida Department of Education.

• FDLRS Parent Email List: bit.ly/ParentFDLRS

• FDLRS site: www.fdlrs.org

Contact Mary Petrandis at petrandism@leonschools.net or at 850-561-6548.

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA)

Florida Division of Blind Services

Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)

The Florida Inclusion Network (FIN) collaborates with all districts and schools to provide customized services and supports ensuring all students with disabilities have the same educational, social, and future opportunities as their peers. In partnership with districts, FIN facilitates the implementation of inclusive best practices through sharing information to build collaborative relationships between families, schools, and districts. Call Briant Rutherford at 850-561-6550 or Kelley Steinmetz at 850-561-6549. Visit www.floridainclusionnetwork.com.

Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI)

The Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired provides services to students with visual impairments enrolled in Florida’s public and private schools. Services include a loan library of large print, braille, and recorded books, consultation, workshops, events, and more. Video of the services provided: bit.ly/FIMCVI. Phone 813-837-7826 or visit www.fimcvi.org.

Florida KidCare

Florida’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Florida’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports provides a central, comprehensive, Florida-specific information and resources that promote system-wide practices to ensure highest possible student achievement in both academic and behavioral pursuits. Resources include:

• Introductory video explanation of Response to Intervention (RtI): florida-rti.org/parentResources/videos.htm

• Website florida-rti.org

FSU Multidisciplinary Center

The FSU Multidisciplinary Center serves PreK-12th grade children that are experiencing severe and/or complex academic, medical, and/or behavioral/emotional concerns. They provide diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic interventions and consultations. Referrals may originate from Children’s Medical Services and other community organizations. Call 850-644-2222, email mdcinfo@csw.fsu.edu, or visit mdc.fsu.edu.

FSU Psychology Clinic

Grandparents as Parents (GaP)

Help Me Grow Florida

Intervention Central

LDonline

Learning Ally

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Tallahassee

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Project 10 (Transition Education Network)

Reading Rockets

Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-D/HH)

The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing provides onsite training and technical assistance to all Florida school districts and families serving students who are deaf/hard of hearing. They also coordinate accessible materials including captioned and signed videos, professional development books, and other reference materials for the deaf/hard of hearing. Visit www.rmtcdhh.org.

SEDNET (The Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities)

Special Olympics

Technical Assistance & Training System (TATS)

Technical Assistance & Training System (TATS) is a statewide project that supports programs serving pre-K children with disabilities by providing technical assistance and training. This support promotes high-quality programs leading to positive outcomes for children and their families. Contact Anne Everett at 850-345-9342 or email at tats-fsu@ucf.edu or visit tats.ucf.edu.

Understood

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence. VR has an array of services for individuals 14 years old to adult. Visit bit.ly/VRVIDEO to view a 2-minute introductory video of their services. Call 850-245-3399 (in Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, and Wakulla) or 850-875-2949 (in Gadsden) or visit www.rehabworks.org.

WFSU-PBS

Whole Child Leon

Whole Child Leon is not another program, but a philosophy that uses strategic planning, web-based technology, performance measurement and broad-based community engagement to build communities where everyone works together to make sure children thrive. Whole Child Leon offers a list of community resources and hosts many community events. Call 850-692-3134, email info@wholechildleon.org, or visit wholechildleon.org.

Note: In Jefferson & Taylor counties, call 850-253-5355 or visit www.wholechildtricounty.com.

Wrightslaw

Gifted

We celebrate the unique talents and abilities of our students through our Gifted Program. Designed to nurture the intellectual curiosity and potential of gifted learners, our program offers a stimulating and enriching educational experience. Through advanced coursework, innovative projects, and opportunities for independent exploration, we challenge our gifted students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and creativity. Our dedicated educators provide personalized support and mentorship, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. With access to specialized resources and enrichment activities, students in our Gifted Program are empowered to excel academically, develop critical thinking skills, and become confident, lifelong learners prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Program Goals

Provide an educational program with a wide variety of educational opportunities that will enable each student to develop his/her own unique potential.
Provide students with opportunities to interact with peers and experience advanced learning situations.
Develop and extend the thinking abilities of each student.
Develop and nurture creativity and productive divergent thinking.
Help each student become a self-directed learner.

Screening Information

Gifted screening provides an opportunity to identify students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual or creative potential. Students may be referred for an initial screening at the beginning of the school year through October 1st. This screening process helps us ensure that all gifted learners receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

Program Overview

For students in grades K-3, our primary themes focus on Inventions, Power and Energy, and Technology, providing a dynamic exploration of the world around us. Through enrichment opportunities and differentiated programs, students delve into hands-on projects and creative challenges that inspire critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As students progress to grades 4-5, they explore themes such as Transportation, Communication, Life and Movement, and Technology, delving deeper into complex concepts and real-world applications. With options for enrichment opportunities, differentiated programs, and advanced content classes, students receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically and unleash their full potential. Our middle and high school program offers advanced courses designed to challenge and inspire students.

Procedural Safeguards

ELL

FSUS embraces diversity and support the linguistic and cultural needs of our students through our English Language Learners (ELL) programs. Recognizing the importance of language acquisition and proficiency, we provide comprehensive support and resources to students who are learning English as a second language. Our dedicated ELL teachers utilize research-based strategies and differentiated instruction to help students develop their English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through small group instruction and cultural enrichment activities, we create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where ELL students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Program Goals

ELL Program Goals

To develop the students’ English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension.
To ensure that English Language Learners continue to develop and acquire skills and concepts in content area subjects while they are developing their English language skills.
To encourage communication between school and home that will promote the educational success of English Language Learners.

Metas del Programa

Desarrollar la habilidad de hablar y escribir el inglés y de entender al escucharlo y leerlo.
Asegurarnos de que los estudiantes del idioma inglés continúen desarrollando y adquiriendo las destrezas y los conceptos de las materias mientras están desarrollando sus destrezas en el idioma inglés.
Fomentar la comunicación entre las escuelas y el hogar para promover el éxito de los estudiantes ELL.

Student Resources

Section 504

We are dedicated to providing equal access and support for students with disabilities through our Section 504 program. Recognizing the importance of accommodating the unique needs of every student, our 504 program ensures that students with disabilities have access to the necessary accommodations to fully participate in the educational experience. Working in collaboration with students and families, we develop individualized 504 plans tailored to each student's specific needs.

Procedural Safeguards
IEP vs. 504 Plan

Procedural Safeguards

IEP vs. 504 Plan

If your child has a condition that adversely impacts his/her education, a well-written, well-implemented IEP or 504 plan will help ensure that your child gets the support and services they need.

	IEP	504 Plan
Legal Basis	Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)	Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Purpose	To provide individualized special education services for eligible students	To provide students support (accommodations) in the regular classroom setting
Eligibility	To be eligible for an IEP, a child’s school performance must be “adversely affected” by a disability in one of the 13 IDEA disability categories	Students must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning). Section 504 has a broader definition of disability than IDEA
Contents	An IEP is a written document developed by an IEP team. It details a student’s current educational performance, services, goals, accommodations, modifications, placement, and more.	There is no standard form for a 504 plan. Most 504 plans are written, but it’s not a requirement. 504 plans generally include accommodations and information on who provides them.

MTSS

At FSUS, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of all students through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Grounded in the belief that every student can succeed with the right support, MTSS provides a framework for early intervention, differentiated instruction, and data-driven decision-making. Through a tiered approach, we identify students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs and provide targeted interventions and supports to ensure their success. Our team of educators collaborates closely with students, families, and community partners to implement evidence-based practices and monitor progress.

Parent Resources