División de Instrucción Especializada
DCPS provides a continuum of services for students ages three through 22 with disabilities who have been found eligible to receive special education services. For more information about the special education settings in DCPS, refer to the information located on this page.
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DCPS’s self-contained, districtwide classrooms offer specialized supports to students with 20 or more hours of specialized instruction per week outside of general education in their IEP. These classrooms are designed to give more support to students with disabilities who have significant needs. Each self-contained classroom is designed to support students with a variety of of disabilities and IDEA disability classifications.
Classroom Name
Grade Level
Description
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Grades 3 through 12
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Focuses on supporting students academically, helping them learn about their emotions, and developing positive social skills.
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Classrooms supported with a Behavior Technician.
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Classroom students receive instructional supports to access the general education curriculum.
Communication & Education Support (CES)
Email:
victor.young@k12.dc.gov (PS/PK and K-2) or julianna.araujo@k12.dc.gov (3-5 & Secondary)
Grades PS/PK through 12
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Focuses on supporting students with language, sensory, and communication needs.
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Classroom students receive instruction using a modified curriculum.
Early Learning Support (ELS)
Email: victor.young@k12.dc.gov or julianna.araujo@k12.dc.gov
Independence & Learning Support (ILS)
Email: Anna.Chirighin@k12.dc.gov
Grades PS/PK through 2
Grades 3 through 12
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Focuses on supporting students with complex learning needs that may include delays in cognition, communication, social emotional, motor and adaptive skills.
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Students may also have medical needs or use medical devices such as a G-tube.
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Classroom students receive instructional supports to access the general education curriculum.
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Focuses on supporting students with delays in cognition with academic and daily living skills challenges.
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Students receive instruction using a modified curriculum.
Medical & Education Support (MES)
Email: Natalia.Houston@k12.dc.gov
Grades
PS/PK through 12
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Focuses on supporting students with complex medical needs .
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Nurses in the classroom support students’ medical needs during the school day.
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Targeted instruction supports each student’s unique learning style to ensure their academic and medical needs are met at school.
Specific Learning Support (SLS)
Grades 3 through 12
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Focuses on supporting students with complex learning needs including academic, executive functioning, and processing.
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Staff work closely with general education teachers to support instruction and curriculum alignment.