Puerto Rico Special Education Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Puerto Rico Special Education Program provides specialized educational interventions, individualized accommodations, and related therapeutic services to eligible students with disabilities. It is managed under the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE). Services are typically provided within the student’s public school. These services include specially designed instruction for the child, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, adapted physical education, and others depending on the child’s needs.
Special Education in Puerto Rico is a legal right to child-specific academic and therapeutic support. The program ensures that students who face learning barriers due to a diagnosed disability receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the most inclusive environment possible.
Award amounts for 2026-2027
PRDE Arranged Services
Typically, direct funding is not provided to the family but the services are arranged by PRDE. These services include specially designed instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, and adapted physical education.
If the PRDE fails to provide a required evaluation or therapy within the legal timeline, families are given direct funding vouchers to secure approved private specialists at no personal cost.
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for the Special Education Program managed by the PRDE, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Age 3-21, and if the appropriate age, a student in a public school
- Must have a diagnosed physical, cognitive, emotional, or learning impairment falling under one of the 13 primary categories (e.g., Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism, Speech/Language Impairments, ADHD/Other Health Impairments).
- The PRDE eligibility committee (referred to as COMPU) must determine that the student’s disability explicitly impacts or limits their academic progress, requiring specialized services.
How can families use the funds?
Services are fully funded by state and federal grants. Services that can be arranged within the student’s public school include specially designed instruction for the child, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, adapted physical education, and others depending on the needs of the student. If a student’s needs cannot be met in a public school setting, the PRDE may fund placement at an accredited specialized private school.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Children must be residents of Puerto Rico.
- Educational Status: Children ages 3-21, and if applicable, attending public school
- Parental Consent: No evaluation or service can take place without written parental authorization.
- Individualized Education Program (PEI/IEP): Child must have a written PEI/IEP. The PRDE has a maximum of 60 calendar days from parental consent to complete all evaluations (30 days) and draft the final IEP (30 days).
- Student Re-evaluation: Students must be re-evaluated at least once every three years to determine if special services are still required.
How do families apply?
- Submit a Request for an Initial Evaluation: If your child is already in a public school, you can request this from the principal.
- Visit a Center: If your child is not yet in school, visit a Regional Center. You can find the list of centers at the bottom of the PRDE Special Education Program page.
- Complete the Evaluation: Attend the scheduled diagnostic evaluations arranged by the PRDE with specialized clinicians.
- Review the IEP: Participate in the COMPU meeting to review results, confirm eligibility, and review your child’s unique Individualized Education Program.
Where can families learn more?
For other Puerto Rico School Choice Programs: Refer to our Puerto Rico Summary.