ESE Parent Engagement Meeting (April 2025)

ESE Plan for Program Updates FY26

ESE Program Transition FAQs

Critical Shortages Parent Engagement Session Presentation

Click here for the Special Education Evaluation Process

Click here for information about the Early On Program

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) provides students with exceptional needs with the support, interventions, and enrichment activities needed to flourish. The Office of Exceptional Student Education encompasses all learners outside of the typical learning environment and those that may require differing learning styles in order to meet their full potential. The ESE department is comprised of Section 504 students, students with, or suspected of having, a disability, and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). We work to ensure students have access to and the opportunity to participate in the varied opportunities DPSCD provides.

This access to instructional and other support services will result in every student maximizing their potential to successfully participate in school, work, and community life.

Our Programs:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Dual Diagnosed (DD)
• Day Treatment (DT)
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)
• Early Childhood Special Education Services (Birth - 3)
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE Program)
• Emotional Impairment (EI)
• Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)
• Homebound or Hospitalized
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MiCi)
• Moderate Cognitive Impairment (MoCi)
• Physical or Other Health Impairment (POHI)
• Post-Secondary | Essential Skills Transition Program
• Post-Secondary | Work Skills
• Post Secondary | Project Search
• Resource
• Severe Cognitive Impairment (SCI)
• Severe Multiple Impairment (SXI)
• Visual Impairment (VI)
• EPIC
• IMPACT

Our Services:

• Accommodations and Modifications
• Assistance with Physical Mobility and Fine Motor Skills
• Audiology
• Behavior and counseling support
• Instructional support: ranging from specialized classes to resource teachers supporting students in general education classrooms, DPSCD strives to educate all students first in a general education setting
• Music Therapy
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Orientation & Mobility
• Physical Therapy
• Psychological Services
• School Social Work
• Speech & Language
• Teacher Consultant Services
• Transition and work skills to help students pursue post-secondary and work opportunities