Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
The Importance of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) at Charlotte Harbor Center
Charlotte Harbor Center is a specialized ESE school designed to provide a comprehensive framework of support for our students. We focus on delivering high-level accommodations and individualized modifications that break down barriers to learning. By fostering a nurturing yet structured environment, we empower our students with the unique opportunities they need to achieve academic and personal success.
Need Further Assistance?
If you need any further assistance, please know that we are just a call or email away. Below is a list of staff members who are here to help you navigate your student’s journey and provide the answers you’re looking for.
"I need it now" Resources
We understand that navigating the details of your child’s education involves staying organized with the right information. To help make things a little easier, we’ve gathered the most frequently requested forms and resources in one place. Below, you’ll find convenient links to the documents you need most, so you can spend less time searching and more time focusing on your student’s growth.
District ESE Information
Want to learn more about how our district supports students with unique abilities? We’ve gathered some helpful extra information from the Charlotte County ESE Department just for you. Simply click the buttons below to read more about the district-wide programs and resources designed to help every student succeed.
CCPS ESE Homepage FDLRS & Child Find Home Exceptionalities Information District Resources Section 504 Gifted Education
Important Acronyms and Glossary
The "Big Three" Fundamentals
These are the foundational terms you'll hear in almost every meeting.
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IEP (Individualized Education Program): The "legal contract" between the school and the student. It outlines specific goals, services, and accommodations tailored to the student’s needs.
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FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): The legal right of every child with a disability to receive an education at no cost to parents, designed to meet their unique needs.
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LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): The principle that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers as much as possible.
Common Acronyms
- BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan): A formal plan to address and replace "problem" behaviors with positive ones.
- FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment): The process of figuring out why a student is behaving a certain way.
- MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports): A framework schools use to provide targeted support to struggling students early on.
- OT (Occupational Therapy): Services focusing on fine motor skills (writing, buttons)
- PT (Physical Therapy): Services focusing on gross motor skills (walking, balance).
- SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist): The specialist who works on communication, articulation, and language processing.
Legal & Procedural Terms
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Accommodations: Changes in how a student learns (e.g., extra time on a test, sitting at the front of the room). The curriculum stays the same.
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Modifications: Changes in what a student is expected to learn (e.g., a student completes a simplified version of the math curriculum).
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Procedural Safeguards: A document explaining the legal rights of parents in the ESE process (often called the "Parent Rights" booklet).
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Related Services: Extra support services—like counseling, transportation, or therapy—that a child needs to benefit from their special education.
Categories
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ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): A developmental disability affecting social communication and interaction.
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SLD (Specific Learning Disability): A disorder in one or more basic psychological processes (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia).
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OHI (Other Health Impairment): A broad category often used for ADHD or medical conditions that limit a student’s strength or alertness.