Special Education

The Juvenile Services Education Program (JSEP) is dedicated to helping all students achieve their full academic potential by addressing their individual educational needs. JSEP fosters a collaborative environment in which students, families, educators, and community partners work together to ensure that students with disabilities are learning, progressing, and held to high expectations. 

Special education services are available in all JSEP schools. In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR), the Department of Special Education ensures that all eligible students receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This is achieved through close coordination with parents, guardians, and relevant agencies. 

Individualized services

Each student who qualifies for special education services has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is developed by a team that may include teachers, qualified school staff, parents or guardians, and the student. The IEP outlines the student’s educational goals and support services and is reviewed at least annually and revised as needed, in compliance with state and federal regulations.

JSEP is committed to providing students with IEPs a free and appropriate education and our small class sizes lend themselves to being able to give more attention to all students. JSEP also provides transition services to our students with IEPs facilitating a smooth transition from the JSEP School to the student’s next educational placement.​

Policies and procedures

JSEP is responsible for the identification and evaluation of all children from their age at enrollment in a JSEP school (detention and commitment) through age 21 who are suspected of being a child with a disability under IDEA and may require special education and/or related services. The Juvenile Services Education Program Special Education Policies and Procedures Handbook makes our process transparent.

The special education staff in each school uses a variety of resources, information, and evidence-based intervention data to identify children requiring special services and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Written referrals may also be made by a parent or representative of a public agency to a JSEP school where a child is enrolled or to JSEP administration.