OVERVIEW: Provides appropriate education for children from birth to age 21 who are in need of special services due to cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Identified students receive special services for part or all of the school day, as needed. Parents of children in need of services call 240-586-8650.

1) INFANTS AND TODDLER PROGRAM: The Frederick County Health Department is the lead agency for this program, together with FCPS, the Frederick County Department of Social Services, and Maryland School for the Deaf. For information, call the Frederick County Developmental Center, 301-600-1611.

2) CHILD FIND SERVICES: A process for identifying children who may have special needs.

• For school-age children, parents who suspect their child may have an educational disability should ­contact their community school.
• For children older than 2 years and 9 months but not enrolled in school, parents should contact the Child Find office at 227-203-3933.
• For children younger than 2 years and 9 months, parents should contact the Frederick County Developmental Center, at 301-600-1612.

3) PRE-KINDERGARTEN: Provides additional social and academic support for children ages 3-5 to prepare them for kindergarten. Services are available at an itinerant, half-day, and full-day level, based on student needs.

4) EXPRESSIONS PROGRAM: Provides support for students with functional communication needs, to help them develop verbal speech and/or a functional communication system. Students pursue a High School Certificate of Completion.

5) LEARNING FOR LIFE: Provides support to non-diploma-bound students who have developmental and cognitive disabilities. Students learn functional life skills and academics, while pursuing a High School Certificate of Completion.

6) PYRAMID PROGRAM: Provides support and transportation to diploma-bound students who have significant ­emotional/behavioral needs. These students receive intensive special ­education and therapeutic services in a small-group setting. 

7) SUCCESS PROGRAM: Provides post-­secondary transition education for students ages 18-21 who have completed at least 4 years in a comprehensive high school and exhibit potential for competitive employment. They work in a community-based setting to learn skills for independent ­living and are exposed to the world of work.

8) ROCK CREEK SCHOOL: Serves diverse functional, academic, medical, and behavioral needs for students ages 3-21 who have significant cognitive disabilities and are pursuing a High School Certificate of Completion. 

9) RISE: Provides support to diploma-bound elementary and middle school students who have autism spectrum disorders, emotional disabilities, or other educational disabilities. Students learn the Common Core Standards and have opportunities for inclusion in general education classes.