Catholic Coalition for Special Education (CCSE)

CCSE strives to make the dream of a Catholic education a reality for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Celebrating our 20th year of inclusion, CCSE supports the creation and expansion of special education instruction and programs in Catholic Schools. We also support parents in their journey to raising a child with a disability. Frequently, the biggest barriers for Catholic schools are the lack of available funding and technical assistance to help them get started.

Thanks to CCSE’s efforts with parish elementary schools and high schools, there are more Catholic schools willing to enroll and educate children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There continues to be a great need, especially for high schools to open their doors to the burgeoning group of students with intellectual disabilities now in grade school. CCSE works tirelessly with high school and grade school principals to address this need.

CCSE's 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! 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 Technical Assistance

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 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.

Your Gift Makes an Impact

$20,000   Annual salary of a para-educator in Catholic school 

$10,000    One year of support for a school to prepare a new inclusion program

$  5,000    One full day of professional development for up to 250 educators. 

$  2,500    Tuition Assistance for a diocesan teacher for Advanced Studies in Special Educ.      

$  1,000    One year of monthly teacher-coaching & consulting services for a school  

$     500    One half-day training workshop for teachers 

$     250    Two Parent Support Evenings 

$     100    One-on-one consultation with parents and/or principals 

$       25    Specialized classroom materials and supplies