The Department of Special Education of the DeSoto County School District offers a wide range of programs to meet the individual needs of students. Eligible students are served as young as three and up to twenty-one years of age. Our schools offer programs to serve students who need extended instructional time in a special education setting. Resource programs, as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are offered in all schools. Some special district-wide classes have been established to serve students with low incidence disabilities.  

Student identification procedures, achievement testing, programming, instructions and flexible scheduling require the participation of all school personnel. As the district strives to recognize and enhance the potential of all students with disabilities, it becomes necessary not only to identify unserved students but also to maintain program continuity and coordination with regular education in order to provide appropriate instruction.

Program Overview

The goal of the Department of Special Education is to provide support to the students and the schools by working on levels of specialized instruction to enhance educational opportunity in the general curriculum. Prescribed programs for students with disabilities are implemented to keep the students near the least restrictive environment with the general education classroom being the ultimate goal.

It is the responsibility of the DeSoto County School District to provide education services to all students with a disability that meet their unique needs. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities be provided with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  Our goal is to uphold FAPE standards by providing educational benefit to students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Behavior Services

Kimberley Sandlin, Special Education Supervisor

The Behavior Services Department provides behavior support to Special Education students who require additional support specifically in the areas of social skills training as well as applied behavioral analysis. Data is collected and progress monitored to assure supports are effective and meaningful. Additionally, our Positive Behavior Specialist and Therapeutic Interventionist provides support to schools throughout the district by providing Behavior Modification training, Crisis Prevention Intervention training, as well as working collaboratively with Educators and Administrators.

DCS Employee Links:

Behavior Support Request: https://forms.office.com/r/Ek6NRc4CHu

Social Work Request: https://forms.office.com/r/CAeNds8r7A

Change of Service Request: https://forms.office.com/r/M7p8yvYYbF 

CPI Incident Form: CPI Incident Report