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Hello! Welcome to Special Education!Mission:The Department of Special Education, in cooperation with the Department of Student Services and the Division of Curriculum and Instruction, provides special education and related services to students identified as eligible to receive services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. These services are designed to reflect the Queen Anne’s County Public School's (QACPS) commitment to ensure that every student demonstrates a commitment to high achievement and everyday excellence, possessing the skills and knowledge to empower them to thrive and continue to grow intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially in a rapidly changing, globally competitive society. Provision of special education services is a collaborative process between families, general and special educators, and related service providers, working together to ensure access to the curriculum for all students with disabilities. QACPS staff strives to ensure a full educational opportunity for all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE).Vision:Special education is grounded in the belief that all students can and will learn. It is the responsibility of QACPS to provide appropriate learning experiences for all students, to recognize and understand the unique nature of each student, and to strive for the educational success of every student. Individual educational needs of students with disabilities will be provided in an inclusive setting to the maximum extent appropriate. The learning process occurs through the implementation of educational goals, objectives, and strategies that enable students with disabilities to achieve meaningful educational benefits.
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STAFF DIRECTORYSupervisor of Special EducationJoeleen Smith(410) 758-2403 ext.131Special Education FacilitatorAdministrative Assistant/Data Manager
Mandy LandonClinical Resource SpecialistStirling Ward(410) 758-2403 ext.179
Special Education Teacher SpecialistsAndrea Jarrard (Assistive Technology)(410)758-2403 ext.Courtney Pflueger-Turner (Pre-School Programs)410-758-2403 ext.Heather Maddy (Transition Coordinator)
heather.maddy@qacps.org(410) 758-2403 ext. 260Katie Peternel (BCBA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst)(410) 758 - 2403 ext.131Matthew Perry, Behavior Specialist(410) 758-2403 ext. 224Special Education Services during the Extended Closure
General education instruction for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) will be delivered in a digital format during the required extended closure which was directed to all Local Education Agencies (LEA) by the Maryland State Superintendent. As a result, special education services and related services will also be provided through distance learning. Since the expectation of delivery for general education is greatly reduced, special education services may also be reduced. Students with disabilities will be provided an Individualized Continuity of Learning Plan (ICLP) during the closure due to COVID19 based on their current IEP. The ICLP does not replace the IEP but supplements it during this time of need. If students with disabilities do not have internet access at home, they will receive an individualized packet based on their Individualized Continuity of Learning Plan (ICLP). Case management services will continue through phone calls or video conferencing with families. IEP teams will use telephone or video conferencing, based on the family’s preference, for regularly scheduled meetings that would be occurring during the time of the extended closure.
QACPS will try to hold IEP team meetings during the extended closure using video conferencing or phone conferences. Once schools reopen, IEP meetings will be held to discuss the impact of the closure on the child. This may result in a change in special education services on a student’s IEP and/or may end in a determination that compensatory services will be owed.
