All Students Deserve Access to Free and Appropriate Education

Des Moines Public Schools is committed to providing students of all abilities with access to a free and appropriate education to prepare them for the next stage of their lives.

Towards that goal, Student & Family Services provides specially designed instruction, accommodations, supports and related services to those students found to be eligible under Early ACCESS, Special Education or Section 504.

Currently, more than 5,000 students from birth to age 21 are receiving these services in Des Moines Public Schools.

Special education teachers, Early ACCESS teachers, psychologists,  social workers, special education consultants, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists are provided through Student & Family Services to meet the unique needs of individual students.

Most services are provided in comprehensive schools. In select cases, services may be provided in other settings. IEP teams make decisions about appropriate placement. If you have questions, contact your special education team.

For more information, please visit the links to the right.