Special Education focuses on identifying children and youth with disabilities as well as providing them with specially designed instruction to meet their unique needs in the least restrictive environment. It also includes related services such as speech therapy, occupational and physical therapies, and orientation and mobility. The department coordinates services with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at the secondary level to ensure post-secondary transition.

The Department of Exceptional Children also provides programs and services for students who have learning needs that lie outside the usual range of instructional differentiation in general education classrooms.