Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Eligibility & Settings Guide

Florida students who have disabilities and need specially designed instruction and related services fall under the umbrella of Exceptional Student Education (ESE). ESE services are meant to help each student with a disability progress in school and prepare for life after graduation.

Who qualifies for ESE services?

• ESE services are for students ages 3 to 21 who have been determined eligible through a process with school district staff.
• There are ESE programs for specific conditions, including physical, intellectual and behavioral disabilities.
• If you think ESE services may be right for your child, contact Member Services. Ask for a referral to the School Liaison Program.

What is the ESE determination process?

1. Referral. A request must be made by school staff, a parent or guardian, or outside providers for an evaluation to identify what the student’s specific needs are.
2. Consent Meeting. The evaluation team will meet to decide how to evaluate the student. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form for their child to be evaluated by a licensed school psychologist.
3. Evaluation. Based on the referral, a licensed school psychologist will interview, observe and test your child, plus review all submitted medical or provider documents.
4. Eligibility Determination. After the evaluation is done, the school will hold an eligibility and staffing meeting with the student’s parent or guardian. The group will review the results of the evaluation and decide whether the student is eligible for ESE services.

What happens after my child qualifies for ESE services?

If your child is found eligible for ESE services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be created. This is a legal, written document that outlines special education instructions to help the student be more successful at school.

IEPs are created by an IEP team, which you are a part of. Members of an IEP team include:

• You, the parent
• General education teachers
• A licensed school psychologist who can explain the results of your child’s evaluation and use it to create a specialized instruction plan
• A person representing the school system who knows about ESE services and has authority to commit resources
• People with knowledge or special expertise about your child and/or their condition who are invited by you, the parent, and/or the school district
• Anyone you invite that you feel would be helpful during the IEP process. This could be a friend, another parent, or an advocate from CMS Health Plan. Let the school know in advance if you want to invite someone.
• Your child, when appropriate, and when their final IEP is discussed

What is included in an IEP?

An IEP is an education plan designed specifically for your child. It must include these pieces of information, at minimum:

• Your child’s current levels of educational performance
• Your child’s educational goals
• Your child’s special education and related services
• Your child’s classroom and testing accommodations

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?

• The IEP team will also decide where your child will receive services. Most children with disabilities spend most of their school day in general education classrooms. Some children leave the general education classroom for part of the day to receive ESE services. Fewer children spend all day in an ESE classroom or specialized school.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) says students who have a disability should be educated with non-disabled peers as much as possible. This means your child should only be moved to an ESE classroom or specialized school if they are unsuccessful in a general education classroom or school.
• Where your child receives ESE services will be based on their Least Restrictive Environment, or LRE. The IEP team will decide your child’s LRE using the Continuum of Alternate Placement.

What is the Continuum of Alternate Placement?

• The Continuum of Alternate Placement shows the different settings where students can receive ESE services. They range from least restrictive to most restrictive.
• Where your child lands on the scale is their LRE, or least restrictive environment.
• Parents and schools can’t pick or change a student’s LRE anytime. Your child’s school setting is based on progress data the IEP team monitors. They use the data to decide whether your child’s supports need to change.
• Grades, GPA, state test scores, discipline referrals, and attendance are all reviewed when a more restricted placement is being considered.

Continuum scale
 1 equals least restrictive environment, 5 equals the most

1. General Education Classroom & Inclusion Classroom
2. Special Education Classroom
3. Specialized Day School
4. Hospital Homebound
5. Residential Facility

What do ESE services look like across settings?

The level of support in each setting can be different for each student. The student’s IEP outlines what services and supports should look like for them within their LRE. The chart below describes examples of what ESE services may be offered in each setting.

Source: Florida Department of Education

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) Resources for Parents
• Exceptional Student Education
• ESE Eligibility