Exceptional Student Education (ESE) provides services to over 13,000 students within Volusia County Schools. Students may be considered for ESE services if they meet the criteria of one or more of the categories of disabilities and/or meet eligibility criteria for gifted services as outlined in the Exceptional Student Education Special Policies and Procedures (SP&P).

Students may be identified with intellectual, behavioral, physical, medical, sensory and/or communication exceptionalities. The student must show a need for special education and related services as a result of his/her disability or disabilities. Students being considered for the gifted program are also required to demonstrate an educational need for services. Parents have the right to bring another adult of their choice to any ESE related meetings.

For further information about services, click on ESE Programs and Services on the left. The site will provide general information and awareness of the services and programs that ESE/SS supports.

Staff related information can be found at the following site: VCS ESE Intranet (Staff)

Parents of children with an individual educational plan, we want to hear from you! 

The Florida Department of Education has released its annual ESE parent survey to help state and local school systems continue to improve educational programs for children with special needs. The response window is February 1 to May 31, 2021. Paper copies of the survey will be distributed to schools on or around February 24th or you can complete the survey online at http://www.esesurvey.com. For more information call Kathy Beauchamp, Administrative Secretary at (386) 255-6475 ext. 21979.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your child's:

• Evaluation for Gifted or Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
• Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Gifted Educational Plan (EP)
• Section 504 
• McKay or Gardiner Scholarship
• ESE services or support
• General questions or concerns regarding students' exceptional needs

Please leave a message with your name, contact information, and a summary of your concern. If you are contacting us about a student, please include the student's name and school. We will respond to your inquiry within 2 business days.

Email: ESECompliance@volusia.k12.fl.us

Phone: (386) 734-7190 ext. 34781

Department Contacts