The Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE) is responsible for the general supervision, administration, and funding of special education programs and services for children and youth with disabilities ages 3 through 25. A free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to eligible children according to federal and state laws, regulations, administrative rules, and department procedures.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) established two separate age segments for students with special needs. Part B refers to special education services for students ages 3 through 21. Part C refers to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age 3.
Michigan special education services extend from birth through age 25 (beyond the federal requirement of 21). Therefore, Michigan's special education services and programs serve eligible students from birth through age 25.
The OSE is tasked with implementing and monitoring Part B improvement plans. The Office of Great Start, in collaboration with the OSE, manages Part C services through its Early On® program. Some infants and toddlers may also be eligible for special education services.
Office of Special Education
608 W. Allegan Street
PO Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48933
Main Phone
517-241-7075
General Fax
517-241-7128
Program Accountability Fax
517-241-7141
(for complaints, due process, approvals, policy)
TTY
517-241-7142
If you have a question related to special education, call 888-320-8384* or email mde-ose@michigan.gov.
*interpreter services in several languages are available
The OSE has several units to handle its general supervision responsibilities: administration, program finance, program accountability, and performance reporting. The OSE is also responsible for the oversight of the Low Incidence Outreach program and the Michigan School for the Deaf.
The Administration Unit provides leadership to and oversight of the office and ensures compliance with all federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements. The unit reports and responds to the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent, the Chief Deputy Superintendent, and the Deputy Superintendent.
The Program Accountability Unit develops and implements special education policy. Policy is developed to align with-and clarify-federal and state requirements. The unit also administers the state and due process complaint processes.
The Program Finance Unit provides oversight for state aid and federal funding structures for special education programs and services. The unit ensures that federal grants and state aid reimbursements are effectively administered.
The Performance Reporting Unit coordinates the collection, verification, analysis, and reporting of special education student and personnel data for required federal and state reports. The unit also coordinates and provides technical assistance to districts and other stakeholder groups to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements and to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
The Michigan Department of Education Resource for Blind/Low Vision (RBLV) and Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RDHH) are partially funded through the OSE. The projects provide consultation, training, and resources to families and educational teams serving students who are blind or have low vision (BLV) and/or deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).
MDE RBLV and RDHH also have direct oversight of Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T), located in Greenville, MI. Camp T is a 300-acre outdoor education facility that provides year-round programming for students who are BLV and Michigan groups with an educational focus for school-age children.
The Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) is a State of Michigan Deaf and hard of hearing school operated by MDE. MSD was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1848 and is located in Flint, MI. Students are referred to the school by their local school district, and placement is determined by an IEP team. Students who attend MSD receive a bi-lingual and bi-cultural education, rich in American Sign Language (ASL) and written English, as well as academic, and for some students, residential support services.
Michigan provides special education services for eligible children from birth. Early Childhood Development and Education provides information, consultation, and resources to families, educators, and communities concerned with the progress and development of our youngest learners and their families.
