Current guidance on implementing the requirements of local policies related to the provision of special education and related services in the District of Columbia.
- Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate Guidance
- Child Count Procedural Guidance
- Child Find Brochure
- Confidentiality of Student Information Guidance
- Early Childhood Transition Guidelines
- Extended School Year Services Guidance
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) Amendment Guidance
- OSSE DOT Vehicle Accommodations Guidance
- Policies and Procedures for Placement Review Guidance
- Prohibition on Mandatory Medication Guidance
- Prohibitions on Discrimination Against Children with Disabilities in the Charter School Application During the Enrollment Process Guidance
- Related Services Guidance
- Significant Cognitive Disability Guidance
Dear Colleague Letters
OSSE Dear Colleague Letters are intended to notify local education agencies (LEAs) and education stakeholders of changes or clarifications in LEA obligations under IDEA.
- 2025 Extended School Year (ESY) Preparation Guide
- 2024 Extended School Year (ESY) Preparation Guide
- 2023 Extended School Year (ESY) Preparation Guide
- 2022 Extended School Year (ESY) Certification
- Transition Procedures for Children with Extended IFSPs under IDEA Part C
- Dear Colleague Letter on Key IDEA Requirements Related to D.L. v. District of Columbia
- OSSE Dear Colleague Letter: IDEA Part C to B transition: specialized instruction service delivery
Non-Regulatory Guidance
Non-regulatory guidance documents support LEAs in carrying out IDEA obligations by sharing best practices and recommendations for LEA practice.
- Special Education Process Handbook (SY2024-25)
- Parent Participation and Engagement in the Special Education Process Guidance (August 2024)
- Non-Regulatory Guidance: Determining Eligibity for Transportation as a Related Service (July 2024)
- Non-Regulatory Guidance: Intersections of Dyslexia and Special Education
- Documenting the First Provision of Specialized Instruction: Step-By-Step Guidance (August 2023)
- Special Education Non-Regulatory Guidance: Compensatory Services Due to COVID-19 (October 2022)
- Special Education Non-Regulatory Guidance: Flexibilities for Completing Special Education Evaluations (July 2022)
Special Education Policy Bulletins
OSSE Special Education Policy Bulletins clarify LEA responsibilities under IDEA related to specific topic areas.
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Informal Removal of Students with Disabilities (October 2024)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Referral for Initial Evaluation (October 2024)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: IDEA Obligations for Adult-Serving Public Charter School Programs (July 2022)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Students Exiting Special Education Services (July 2022)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Toileting Skills: Nondiscrimination and IDEA Obligations (August 2021)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: IDEA Evaluations: Medical Information (June 2021)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Eligibility Criteria for Visual Impairment Under IDEA (June 2021)
- Special Education Policy Bulletin: Extended School Year (ESY) Services (Updated August 2023)
Additional Information
Contact Us
For questions or additional information, please email [email protected].
Special education regulations, policies and guidance are administered by OSSE’s Office of Special Education within the Division of Systems and Supports, K-12.
[Date Posted: Feb. 27, 2023]