OSD is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. OSD uses a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student, and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Find Special Education Supports and Services at Your School
Start the process of learning more about special education supports and services at your school. Contact your school’s Case Manager and find your Special Education Coordinator (SEC) to begin today.
Introducing Special Education Coordinators for SY2026
For SY26, OSD is welcoming the new role, Special Education Coordinators (SECs). SECs will partner directly with principals, teachers, and service providers to help guide the development and implementation of high-quality IEPs, support strong compliance practices, and serve as trusted partners to both school teams and families. Their work will be grounded in relationships, aligned to instructional priorities, and driven by what each student needs to grow and thrive. For more information, contact your school case manager.
Parent Supports
CPS is committed to strengthening relationships and collaboration between families, schools, and community partners through the creation of a shared vision. OSD provides a number of resources and training opportunities to assist parents in caring for their children and securing the right services, supports, and individualized instruction plans to aid their learning. Additionally, through groups like the OSD Family Advisory Board, parents can participate in and influence the development of district policies for students with disabilities.
Parent Support Specialists
Parent Support Specialists are engagement liaisons who help families navigate supports and services for students with disabilities.
OSD Family Advisory Board (OSD FAB)
The OSD Family Advisory Board (formerly known as ODLSS Parent Advisory Council) is a community of families with students with disabilities who have a shared interest in collaborating with OSD to support students by enhancing special education supports and services.
STARnet
STARnet offers parent and educator training workshops, webinars, technical assistance, and a lending library for those caring for young children, from birth to age eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs and IEPs.
