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EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION (ESE):
The mission of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department is to ensure that students with disabilities and those who are gifted be identified and receive a free and appropriate education with exemplary services and support in the least restrictive environment, which will lead to students being able to enter employment, enlistment, and/or enrollment in post-secondary life.
We hope this information is helpful and familiarizes you with the services and procedures of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in Charlotte County Public Schools. If you need additional information or have additional questions, please contact us at (941) 255-0808 option 2.
Nicole Cox, Director of Exceptional Student Education
nicole.cox@yourcharlotteschools.net
Kim Gilliland, Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Education
The ESE Department supports schools to provide services to over 3,800 students with ESE eligibility within Charlotte County Public Schools. Students may be considered for ESE services if they meet the criteria of one or more categories of disabilities and/or meet eligibility criteria for gifted services as outlined in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Policies & Procedures (P&P).
ESE Parent Agency Fair & Resource Night
CCPS ESE Department will hold the 2026 Charlotte County Public Schools Community Agency Fair & Resource Night for Students and Families of Students with Disabilities.
The 2026 Agency Fair will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4:30-6:30pm at the David Gaylor Professional Development Center, 22362 Hancock Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
The purpose of this in-person event is to increase the understanding of resources, support, and assistance available to students with disabilities in our community.