Polk County Public Schools has added a new position to assist families and schools with ESE services.
Stephanie Carte recently joined our district as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) parent liaison. The new position is focused on helping families navigate our school system, and providing resources to improve student achievement.
“I want to help bridge the gap between parents and PCPS,” Carte said. “I want parents to fully understand what goes into providing specific services for their child. I also want to help the staff in our schools understand a parent’s perspective, so that everyone feels like they are being heard, and we can find solutions that benefit students and schools.”
Carte has spent more than 20 years in education, and has experience working in ESE classrooms. She’s also a mother of two children with special needs.
“I want parents to know that when I say ‘I understand,’ I truly understand,” she said. “I will do whatever I need to assist and support my colleagues, but I am also a parent who is fighting the same fight, asking the same questions, and advocating in the same way.”
Carte started work in November and has already handled more than 100 cases. She’s available to share information about ESE resources, attend IEP meetings as needed, or provide other forms of assistance.
Families of ESE students are welcome to contact Carte anytime at 863-535-6488 ext. 441, or
[email protected].