Exceptional Student Education
The FACE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department is comprised of 3 individuals that are responsible for maintaining compliance as related to a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Our department works collaboratively with families, staff, our Behavior Department, related services, and other stakeholders to develop IEPs and ensure that supports and services necessary for each student’s unique needs are identified within the plan.
Stronger Together
At FACE, we believe that we are stronger together. Therefore, we encourage families to play a strong role during the IEP process. We welcome parental input throughout the IEP process, including inviting private/outside therapists or other caretakers to also attend the IEP meetings with them if they would like. Data is consistently provided via Daily Home Notes, quarterly progress reports, and Annual IEP meetings. As a team, we will all work together to ensure that student’s are provided the tools to participate and succeed to the best of their ability.
Helpful Information:
An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan designed specifically for students with disabilities. This
plan follows them as they age and is updated at least annually to ensure that the student’s
unique needs and related services remain appropriate.
All students must have an IEP when attending FACE. However, current law does not require that
ABA services be addressed within the IEP. At FACE, Applied Behavior Analysis strategies are used
daily within the classrooms when teaching students. Teachers and team members are
encouraged to include specific information related to ABA strategies within the Present Levels of
Performance that have proven effective with the student.
You are your child’s biggest advocate, and you know your child better than we do. Your input is
critical when developing your child’s IEP. You will be asked to complete Parent Planning notes
prior to the IEP meeting, as well as will be sent a draft of the IEP to review prior to the meeting
occurring. Throughout the IEP meeting, you will be encouraged to provide further input and
insight into your child’s functioning levels.
Meet Your ESE Team
Sarah Howard Wilms Sarah is a recent transplant to the Tampa area originally from Saint Louis, MO. Sarah spent the first 11 years of her professional career working with special needs students in a variety of positions, from Special Education Teacher to School Administrator, at a similar type of school in St. Louis. Sarah received a Bachelor’s in Special Education and Elementary Education and went to further her education with a Master’s in Special Education, with an Endorsement in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from University of Missouri and a second Master’s in Educational Administration from Southeast Missouri State University. This will be her first year at FACE and working in the Florida School system. Sarah has enjoyed becoming a Disney Passholder, all things hockey, traveling with her family and spending all her time with her two nieces.
Rebecca Null is one of the FACE ESE Specialists, helping to maintain compliance with student IEP documents. She is a St. Petersburg native, born and raised. She attended Saint Petersburg College where she received her Bachelor’s in Special Education, and later her Autism Endorsement. She has been in Hillsborough County for going on 9 years, with this being her 6th year at FACE. Rebecca enjoys all things Disney, raising her three-year-old son with her loving and patient husband, and indoor cycling in her free time.
Aida Delgado works in the ESE department as an IEP Assistant (this means she does a LOT of paperwork). She also works with parents to answer their questions, assists with the front desk as needed, and serves as an interpreter/translator for phone calls, parent communication, and for IEP meetings. This will be her 4 th year at FACE. She enjoys reading, music, dancing, and being positive. She has 14 grandchildren and 1 precious pup. She is always there when you need someone and is looking forward to working with you.