Bureau of Special Education Support

The Bureau carries out its mission by

• Guiding the continuous improvement and monitoring of special education and related services;
• Supporting effective strategies and specialized support(s) for preschool age children with disabilities to participate and progress in appropriate preschool activities;
• Supporting effective instruction, specialized services, and supports for students with disabilities to participate and progress in the general curriculum;
• Creating partnerships with agencies, organizations, and individuals providing services and supports for students with disabilities;
• Providing and supporting high quality professional development opportunities for teachers, specialists, parents, and other interested parties;
• Supporting Institutions of Higher Education in the professional development and preparation of qualified teachers and specialists to assure appropriate support for students with disabilities;
• Improving and utilizing effective data collection systems that support the provision of quality educational services;
• Disseminating information on special education rules, regulations, professional development activities, and promising practices

The Bureau is divided into three offices that oversee the different aspects of Special Education: 

Office of Finance and Data Management

The Office of Finance and Data Management supports the Federal Grants received by the bureau, State Special Education Aid, Court Ordered Placement payments, as well as the New Hampshire Special Education Information System (NHSEIS). The office is responsible for all data within the bureau and for the creation and submission of the State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR)  to our federal partners at the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. 

• Data

• Fiscal/Financial, Grants and Contracts

• New Hampshire Special Education Information System (NHSEIS)

Office of Special Education Training and Monitoring

The Office of Special Education Training and Monitoring provides specific trainings to the field related to special education and oversees district monitoring and the District Determination process. The Office works closely with districts to ensure compliance with the Federal Reporting Indicators related to the provision of services for students with disabilities. All program approval for public schools, private academies and private providers of special education are processed through this office. 

Office of Special Programs

The Office of Special Programs encompasses the various programs the Bureau supports in an effort to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. These programs include Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Educational Surrogate Parents, IEP Facilitation, and Accessibility. Accessibility includes work around visual impairments, deaf and hard of hearing, and assistive technology. This Office also supports the work around the State Professional Development Grant (SPDG) and the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). 

• Accessibility

• Services: Educational Surrogate Parent Program and IEP Facilitation

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Special Education

Provides and promotes leadership, technical assistance and collaboration statewide to ensure that all children and youth with disabilities receive a free, appropriate, public education.

Other Resources: 

• State Advisory Committee on the Education of Students/Children with Disabilities (SAC)

• Complaints

Special Education COVID Resources

Provides links to the resources regarding COVID and Special Education.

Special Education Calls and Resources

Calls and resources by date and topic.

Bureau Staff

Information to contact all Bureau Staff.

Rebecca Fredette
State Director of Special Education
Administrator IV
(603)  271-6693
Rebecca.A.Fredette@doe.nh.gov 

Bureau Main Line
(603) 271-3741