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Programs & Services

A teacher and a student in wheelchair smile together at a school event.

Special Education in SSD

SSD provides special education services to students in a variety of placements, which are governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services are based entirely on a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Placements include attendance at once of SSD's six special education schools or program.

Our Special Education Schools

Special Education in Partner Districts

More than 97 percent of students who receive services from SSD staff attend a school in the school district in which they live. This means that the vast majority of special education services provided by SSD are delivered by SSD staff in 266 schools in 22 public school districts in St. Louis County.

Our 22 Partner Districts

Students in the Firefighting/EMT program are dressed in their gear and ready for class.

Career & Technical Education

SSD operates North and South Tech High Schools, offering students experiential learning opportunities in over 25 different programs. The CTE mission is college and career readiness - a commitment to preparing students for the increasing demands of the 21st-century workforce and ensuring that students are fully prepared for college and careers.

North & South Tech

Adult Education

As the Adult Education Department of the Special School District of St Louis County, Applied Tech provides affordable, career-focused technical education to help our students achieve their career goals. Approximately 130 students are trained each year in the practical nursing field through Applied Tech.

Adult Education at Applied Tech

Homebound

SSD provides general education, special education, and related services in a homebound setting for students enrolled in school whose needs cannot be appropriately met in the school setting. 

Receiving Homebound Services

Private/Parochial/Homeschool

Special education and related services for students parentally placed in private schools, parochial schools, and home school programs in St. Louis County are provided throughout the school year by the Special Non-Public Access Program (SNAP).

Learn More About SNAP Services

Early Childhood Special Education

SSD began its Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program more than 30 years ago to serve students with severe multiple disabilities. In 1991, the District began providing services to preschool students with low to moderate disabilities. Today, more than 1,300 children ages 3 to 5 years receive special education services through the SSD Early Childhood program.

Early Childhood Special Education

Transition

For students with disabilities, one of the most significant transitions in life is moving from high school into the adult world. Whenever a student receiving special education services from SSD reaches age 16, our staff – in collaboration with the student and their family – develop a transition plan as part of the IEP process.

Planning for Life After Graduation