Exceptional Student Education

2025-2026 Florida Department of Education Parent Survey 

Dear Parents & Guardians of Students with Disabilities –  
The Florida Department of Education is seeking parent and guardian input to enhance  services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child has an  Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), please use the QR code or web address below to complete the following survey to help us improve our services. If you have more than one child with an IEP, please complete one survey for each child. 

All responses remain anonymous and go directly to the Department of Education, however your student's school name must be included for your responses to count.  This information will be used to inform support and resources for parents and students with IEPs. If you would prefer a paper-based version of this survey, please reach out to the ESE Specialist at your child’s school for a copy.  

Web address for survey –  https://fldoepaads.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_881xTFo6E6C6ZJI

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Marion County ESE Department Overview 

Marion County has approximately 7,000 exceptional students enrolled in its public schools. An exceptional student is one who has special learning needs. The special assistance received in school is called Exceptional Student Education, or ESE. Our goal is to provide every exceptional student with a free appropriate public education (FAPE), help them progress in school, access the general curriculum, and prepare them for life after school.

The Marion County Public School System offers a continuum of services and programs to meet the individual needs of students requiring special education, ages 3 through 21. The degree to which services are provided is based individually on each child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) as set forth by a staffing committee. The continuum of services may be provided in a variety of settings, which include regular classrooms, resource rooms, hospital/homebound, separate day school, special class, and non-public school (contractual).

If you suspect your student has a disability or for more information about any of our programs, please call your child's school and speak with the School Counselor or ESE Specialist.

ESE Department Contact Information:

Voice 352-671-6832

FAX 352-671-6836

FRS 800-955-8770

TTY 800-955-8771

MCPS Guidance & Testing - 352 671-6848

MCPS Home School Office - 352 671-6859

FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System) - 352 671-6051 Toll-Free: (800)533-0326

United Way's First Call for Help (For information on the services in Marion County) - 352 732-4444