Special Education
We support the rights of all students to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to meet their individual needs. Our goal is to prepare them to participate in and serve their community with dignity and pride.
HCPSS staff work to ensure high-quality special education services are delivered in a consistent and collaborative manner. Our leaders develop transparent, open and accessible communication to ensure that parents, guardians and community members trust in the integrity of the school system and are active and valued partners.
Inside HCPSS Podcast – Episode 4 – Special Education: No Two Students Learn the Same Way on the Same Day
In the fourth episode of the Inside HCPSS podcast, Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Terri Savage joins HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano to discuss our Special Education program, a program providing a continuum of services for children from birth to age 21 with a wide range of individual needs. Read a full transcript of their conversation →
Jump to: Process | Programs | Services | Behavior Talks | Family Support and Resource Center | Birth to Career | MSDE | Contact
Our Vision: Student-Focused and Collaborative
We’re building a collaborative community that maximizes the experiences of all learners, birth through age 21.
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Everyone is united in a common commitment to ensuring success for each child
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Children have access to general education curriculum with rigorous expectations and standards to create a better future for themselves and others
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Special education processes are participant friendly, culturally responsive and collaborative with a focus on the strengths and needs of the student / child.
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A comprehensive range of instructional and related services, supports and resources are provided to schools, staff, students, children and families to meet the assessed needs of students and children
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Parents, students and children are heard and understood, and their input is valued
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There is a shared understanding among all staff, students, children and families of expectations, roles, and responsibilities
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Everyone works together to set and achieve the highest possible standards, both academic and behavioral, and to be accountable for data-driven results
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All professional staff are valued for their knowledge, experience, and competence
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Staff and families are supported and best practices are promoted through comprehensive professional learning and family training opportunities
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Services are coordinated with community resources to support students, children and their families
The Special Education Process
The process of determining eligibility for special education varies depending on the age of the child.
Children with disabilities from birth to age 21 may be eligible for special education. School-age children who are eligible usually receive special education services in the public school. Preschool children may receive services at school, at home, or both. Students with disabilities who attend private or religiously affiliated schools also may be eligible for special education services.
Programs
HCPSS offers a wide range of programs for children ages birth-21. The programs address an array of needs, including those related to speech, hearing, vision, physical, cognitive, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive development.
Services
HCPSS provides a continuum of special education services and placement considerations for all students with disabilities. Services and placements range from indirect services through residential services.
Staffing Plan
HCPSS’ Special Education Staffing Plan is consistent with procedures outlined by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for the purpose of ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities.
Family Resources
The Family Support and Resource Center is designed to help families of children with special needs. Services include workshops, IEP assistance, IFSP assistance, newsletters, a lending library, facilitation of parent support groups, and community resources and service referrals. The center is open during the school year, Monday through Friday, and over the summer by appointment.
Visit the Family Support and Resource Center
Behavior Talks
Behavior Talks is a series of brief trainings created by HCPSS staff. Each video shares useful tips to promote student success related to behavior, social/emotional needs, organization/self-management at home, and more.
Across the Age Range: A Continuum of Care
Child Find
Child Find is the service that the State of Maryland has established to locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities.
Extended School Year (ESY)
Programs and services year that extend through the summer.
Career and Community Exploration
Work experiences and transition activities supporting ages 16 to 21.
Aligned with the State of Maryland
The documents below are PDFs created by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Maryland State Department of Education Forms
Maryland Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedure
Special Education State Complaint Form Part B
Frequently Asked Questions
State Complaints (FAQ) – A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education State Complaints
Due Process (FAQ) – A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Due Process Complaints
Mediation (FAQ) – A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Mediation
HCPSS Special Education Staff Contacts
Vacant, Executive Director, Special Education
Janice Yetter, Director, Special Education-Secondary Schools
410-313-5350
janice_yetter@hcpss.org
Jennifer Riccardi, Coordinator, Director, Special Education-Early Childhood-Elementary Schools
410-313-7017
jennifer_riccardi@hcpss.org
Emily Kinsler, Coordinator, Countywide Services
410-313-7046
emily_kinsler@hcpss.org
Patricia Gunshore, Coordinator, Special Education Compliance, Non-Public Services and Family Support
410-313-5358
patricia_gunshore@hcpss.org
Kelly Russo, Coordinator, Special Education Compliance and Dispute Resolution
410-313-5358
kelly_russo@hcpss.org
Cedar Lane School
11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD 20759
Paul Owens, Principal | 410-888-8800
MSDE Contact
The MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland’s early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
Ken Hudock
Section Chief, Family Support Services
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
410-767-0255 or kenneth.hudock@maryland.gov