Mission

Founded in 2004, Kensington, Maryland-based, Catholic Coalition for Special Education (CCSE)’s mission is to advocate for and facilitate an appropriate, inclusive, high quality education for students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore region Catholic schools to enrich their lives, schools, and the broader community.

What We Do

CCSE services are free-of-charge to schools and families of children with disabilities. Our programs are funded through the generous support of individuals, foundations, corporations and sponsors who believe children with disabilities should be able to attend Catholic schools.

CCSE’s Believe in Me! Grant Award Program supports the implementation of special education instruction and programs in K-12 Catholic Schools in Maryland and Washington D.C. by awarding seed grants to hire special educational teachers and para-educators; to purchase specialized classroom equipment and supplies and for professional development for school administrators and teachers.

CCSE’s Pro-Bono Technical Assistance (TA) supports the implementation of special education services through professional development workshops for school administrators and teachers as well as through targeted assistance to meet the specific needs of individual schools.

CCSE’s Tuition Assistance Grants for Studies in Special Education encourages teachers and other professionals to pursue advanced degrees in Special Education thereby helping to offset the chronic and pervasive shortage of special education teachers which exists both regionally and nationally.

CCSE’s Pro-Bono Family Advocacy and Support helps families of children with disabilities navigate the frequently complex maze of services by providing current information on programs and community resources. CCSE also provides spiritual and practical support for parents on the journey to raising a child with a disability through its Parents Group, individualized support and other services and events.