How to request special education services from the Department of Education

Disclaimer: Informational content only. Not legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Always verify with a licensed professional in Puerto Rico. Data comes from public sources — mainly each firm's website or, for doctors, the directory cited on the listing — and may change.

If you suspect your child has a condition affecting academic performance, the first step is to register them in the Special Education Program of the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The program serves children and youth ages 3 to 21.

Step 1: Referral to registration

Registration takes place at the Centro de Servicios de Educación Especial (CSEE) for your educational region. The person in charge of the student brings the documents the school provides to the CSEE for their municipality of residence. Ask for and keep a copy of the registration form: it is proof you completed registration.

Step 2: Initial orientation

The CSEE's Orientation and Continuous Registration Unit receives the documents and orients parents on next steps. With parental consent, the student is referred for initial evaluation and a follow-up meeting is scheduled.

Step 3: Initial evaluation

The initial evaluation must take place within 30 days of the registration date. The Department of Education coordinates the date and center where the student will be evaluated by a specialist, and covers the cost.

Step 4: Eligibility determination

Once results are received, parents are called to a meeting with the COMPU (Programming and Placement Committee) to discuss results and determine eligibility. This meeting must take place within 30 days of the evaluation date.

Eligibility criteria

Under federal IDEA, the student must: (1) have a disability, and (2) because of that disability need special education and related services. If eligible, documents go to the school for drafting the PEI (Individualized Education Program).

What if deadlines are not met

If the Department does not evaluate on time or does not provide recommended services, remedies exist: the provisional remedy guide and the parents' rights guide explain the steps.

To find therapists and psychologists with verified licenses, visit the special education & therapy category.

General information, not legal or medical advice. Reviewed 2026-11-05.