PGCPS briefs council committee on special education capacity, autism programs and transition services

Prince George’s County Public Schools officials on Sept. 9 briefed the County Council Education, Workforce and Development Committee on early intervention, special education eligibility, autism programming and post‑high‑school transition planning.

Tranel Bowman, associate superintendent for special education at Prince George’s County Public Schools, told the committee the district serves more than 17,000 students with disabilities (data as of Oct. 1, 2024) and detailed programs from birth through post‑secondary transition, including infants and toddlers supports, preschool services, in‑school IEP processes, autism programs and the district’s transition planning for students leaving school.

Early intervention and eligibility: Bowman said early intervention covers birth to age 5 and uses a family‑coaching model for infants and toddlers (birth–3). Referrals can come from hospitals, doctors, parents or community members. Once referred, the district follows a standard evaluation and timeline: an initial evaluation and a 60‑day assessment window (after parental consent) and up to 30 days to develop an IEP after eligibility is determined. Bowman said roughly 84% of students who come to an initial eligibility meeting are found eligible.

Capacity pressures and vacancies: Bowman told the…