Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Application Opens February 3, 2025
| Date: | January 23, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Application Opens February 3, 2025 |
| Category: | Program Overview, Application Instructions and Dates |
| Next Steps: | Share with appropriate school system and education service center (ESC) staff; have staff encourage eligible families to apply |
Overview
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program – formerly Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) – gives a $1,500 one-time grant to families of eligible students. Families are given access to an online account where they can use these funds to purchase educational goods and services for their students.
Eligibility has not changed; to be eligible for PDSES, a student must:
- be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (grades Pre-K through 12th);
- receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP); and
- have not received a PDSES/SSES grant in the past. (PDSES is a one-time-only grant.)
Application
NEW THIS YEAR: Parents must have a My SPEDTex account to apply for the PDSES program. If parents do not already have a My SPEDTex account, they can go to SPEDTEX.ORG and click “Create Account/Sign In” to create an account. The PDSES Application for the 2024-2025 school year will open on February 3, 2025, at 8:00 AM CST and will close on March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST.
After the application opens, parents should log in to their My SPEDTex account and click the “PDSES Parent Portal” button to begin the application process. For more information about the application process, view this one-page resource. Schools can also use the resources available on the PDSES Outreach Materials webpage to assist in informing the parents of eligible students of the application process and window.
Requirements
19 TAC §102.1601(j) requires ARD committees to inform parents who have not already received funds, that their student is eligible for the PDSES grant. In addition to informing parents at their student's next annual ARD committee meeting, TEA recommends informing eligible families prior to the application window of when and how to apply. To facilitate this, all directors of special education received a list of eligible students who have not yet received a PDSES account through an emailed ShareFile link on October 25, 2024. This is still the most updated information available.
Program Support
- For resources and guidance about the PDSES program, please visit the PDSES Website.
- For questions about the PDSES program, please view the PDSES FAQs.
- For additional questions or help, please email PDSEShelp@region10.org or call SPEDTex at 855-773-3839.