ESE Services from The Florida Charter Institute

About the Webinar:

This comprehensive session introduced charter school leaders to the specialized exceptional student education (ESE) support services available through the Florida Charter Institute and its partner organization, Collaborative Educational Network. Reagan Chalmers, Director of ESE at FCI, Lindsey Granger from CEN, and Dr. Christy Noe presented the range of services designed to help charter schools build strong, compliant ESE programs that effectively serve students with disabilities. The presenters acknowledged that ESE compliance and service delivery represent one of the most challenging areas for charter schools, particularly smaller schools that may lack dedicated special education staff or expertise navigating complex federal and state requirements under IDEA and Florida law. They explained how FCI’s ESE services provide charter schools with access to experienced consultants, professional development, compliance support, and practical resources that enable schools to meet their legal obligations while providing high-quality instruction and services to students with diverse learning needs.

Chalmers, Granger, and Noe detailed the specific support offerings available, including ESE program audits and compliance reviews, IEP development and review assistance, evaluation and eligibility determination guidance, staff training on specially designed instruction and accommodations, behavior intervention planning, transition services coordination, procedural safeguards and parent engagement strategies, and representation during meetings or dispute resolution proceedings. The presenters emphasized that their services are customized to each school’s unique needs, capacity, and student population—ranging from occasional consultation on specific cases to comprehensive ongoing support managing entire ESE programs. They shared success stories demonstrating how schools have strengthened their ESE services, resolved compliance issues, improved outcomes for students with disabilities, and built internal capacity through FCI/CEN partnership. The session addressed common ESE challenges including serving students with low-incidence disabilities, managing the financial implications of specialized services, recruiting and retaining qualified ESE personnel, and balancing compliance requirements with the school’s mission and instructional approach. Attendees learned about the various service models and fee structures available, how to access these supports, and the value of proactive ESE program development versus reactive crisis management. Participants left with understanding of how strategic partnership with specialized ESE consultants can transform their schools’ capacity to serve all students effectively while maintaining compliance and protecting the school from legal and financial risks associated with special education shortcomings.