A Message from our Director

Welcome to the Alachua County Public School’s Exceptional Student Education and Student Services (ESE/SS) website.  All students in our school system are entitled to a free and appropriate education (FAPE).  A continuous range of programs, opportunities and services are available for our students.  Our motivation is to help all students reach their full potential.  All students have particular and specific needs; some more than others.

For those students with learning and behavioral challenges, communication issues, physical impairment, developmental disorders and the like, particular learning strategies might be necessary.  The schooling of students with special needs takes into account their individual differences, and might require individually planned and systematically monitored teaching and learning strategies; adaptive equipment and materials; accessible school and program settings; and other interventions designed to help achieve a higher level of self-sufficiency and success in school and in the community.

The Student Services wing of our department provides for the needs of all students including advising and counseling, accessibility, wellness and health, career developmental, school climate and student conduct.  This division of our department has the primary purpose of attending to students' emotional and physical wellbeing and to a student’s intellectual, cultural and social development.

ESE and Student Services personnel provide assistance to parents, teachers, students, support staff and outside agencies who provide meaningful supports for children.  Through our mutual efforts we will provide an appropriate education for all students.

For more information on the ESE/Student Services Department’s programs, services and processes in ensuring a FAPE, please visit our various links on this website.  Together we can make a difference for a child.

Cordially,

Donna Kidwell
Executive Director
Exceptional Student Education/
Student Support Services