Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Mission Statement
With the support of a committed alliance of families, schools, and the community, the mission of Exceptional Student Education is to provide students the opportunities, environments, and resources necessary for individual success and achievement of their full potential to become productive and participating members of society.
FLDOE Scholarships
The FLDOE Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities provides scholarships for eligible students with disabilities to attend an eligible public of private school of their choice.
FLDOE Family Empowerment Scholarship (SES) Information 23-24
El Programa de La Beca de Empoderamiento Familiar (SES) 23-24
2022-2023 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Survey
The 2022-2023 ESE Parent Survey window is now open. Each year, the Florida Department of
Education (FDOE) surveys parents of students with an individual educational plan (IEP) to
determine how well districts and schools are partnering with parents and promoting parent
involvement in their student’s education. All states must collect these data for reporting on their
State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Additionally, survey results will be used to help schools and districts improve services and results
for children with disabilities. The survey is open to all parents of students with an IEP receiving
ESE services from preschool age to grade 12. While demographic information must be collected in
compliance with federal requirements, individual responses are confidential. Beginning with the
2022-2023 school year, the ESE Parent Survey will only be offered in a web-based format. The
survey will be open through June 30, 2023. For more information about the 2022-2023 Parent
Survey, go to the ESE Parent Survey web page. To access the survey directly, go to the 2023
ESE Parent Survey (English and Spanish) or 2023 ESE Parent Survey (Haitian-Creole). For
questions, contact Katie Milazzo, educational program director, Data and Communications, at
Katherine.Milazzo1@fldoe.org or 850-245-0475.
Contact Information
Kathy Gonsalves, Director of Exceptional Student Education and Pre-Kindergarten Services
gonsaka@bay.k12.fl.us, 850-767-4164