The Exceptional Education and Student Services Department is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, their families, and schools in providing access to a high-quality education. The Exceptional Education and Student Services Department provides services and supports for students with disabilities, gifted learners, and other eligible students.

The EE/SS Placement Office provides support to schools and parents with placements and transportation arrangements for students who receive exceptional education services in self-contained* or low-incidence settings. School placements are made based on the student’s residential address or the address from which the student is transported. Transportation arrangements to self-contained/low-incidence school sites are set up to ensure that students access their ESE services at the school closest to their address that has their recommended setting and available space. The Placement Office is available throughout the school year to answer questions regarding placements in ESE self-contained/low-incidence settings and to process transportation requests. Please direct all questions to Email ESE Placement.

If the student is transferring into Duval County from another state or country and they have received special education services, follow these steps.

1. Contact the neighborhood school. The neighborhood school can be identified by using the school locator

2. Provide the student’s most recent IEP and documents, and

3. Request to speak:

Jennifer Paysinger, Data Entry Clerk

Mary Gajnos, CSS Site Coach

Laura Kratz, Guidance Counselor

(904) 565-8000 choice #4

Comparable services at the designated school will be provided until the school district conducts an initial evaluation (if determined necessary) and develops, adopts and implements a new IEP that meets Florida eligibility requirements.

Waterleaf Elementary

Transition Planning for Military Families

Academic Planning

Educational Resources

Student-led Transition Program

Exceptional Student Education

Mental Health Resources

Military and Family Life Counselor

Installation Partners