The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services supports school districts and others in their efforts to provide exceptional student education programs for students ages 3 - 21 who have disabilities and students who are gifted.

School districts and schools develop their own programs to serve their students in the most effective way possible. The bureau provides training to school staff, district administrators, and others on important issues and current instructional practices; gives the districts information on state and federal law relating to the education of exceptional students; monitors the districts' compliance with those laws; helps resolve conflicts between school districts and families of exceptional students; and provides any other technical assistance school districts need.

In addition, the bureau's Clearinghouse Information Center provides many materials to help parents understand their child's exceptionality, their child's right to a free appropriate education, and the processes and activities that are involved in exceptional student education. The bureau also supports various activities that encourage parent involvement and parent/professional collaboration. Bureau staff respond to questions from parents and try to help them resolve concerns about their child's ESE programs and services. Parents and school districts may appeal the results of due process hearings to the bureau.

The site provides links to many special education offices and services for families with special education needs.