The mission of the ESE Policy department is to ensure that all entities within the Orange County Public Schools comply with local policies, state and federal law for students with disabilities (SWD) and potential SWD.  We assist schools with compliance issues, eligibility procedures, IEP development and review, placement information, FTE concerns and parent participation.  This site provides internal procedures and processes to further clarify the district's policies and procedures for Exceptional Student Education with compliance, non-public schools and Section 504.

The OCPS Internet site has detailed information regarding the Special Programs and Procedures document and includes a copy of the district's SP & P, which is current with the FLDOE.  There are links to the FLDOE's Bureau of Exceptional Education Services - B.E.E.S. website which contains current state data on ESE issues.   

In carrying out the mission, the ESE Policy staff works with school staff, administrative staff, charter school staff, community stakeholders and the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services.

 A major portion of the work of the ESE Policy department is the dispute resolution activities.  This includes resolution of local parent complaints, responses to formal complaint to the Florida Department of Education and the regional office of the Office for Civil Rights and responses to due process hearing requests.  Every effort is employed to resolve disputes through mediation and other means therefore limiting litigation for parents and the school district when possible.