The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Program

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant program, which evolved from the previous Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program, provides financial assistance to families of students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school. This program helps families access additional educational supports and services beyond what is provided through their child’s school-based special education services.

About the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Program

The PDSES program provides eligible families with a one-time only $1500 grant that can be used to purchase supplemental educational goods and services from state-approved vendors. These funds are specifically designed to support students who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant, families must meet specific criteria:

The student must be currently enrolled in a Texas public school
The student must be receiving special education services
The student must have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The family must have NOT received a PDSES/SSES grant in the past.

Each eligible student may receive up to $1,500 in their PDSES account to spend on approved educational goods and services. These funds:

Do not affect or replace existing school-based special education services
Are supplemental to the student’s current IEP services
Must be used within the specified grant period
Cannot be transferred to another student

Approved Uses of Funds

Families can use Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant funds for various educational supports, including:

Educational materials and supplies
Educational technology devices and software
Private tutoring services
Educational therapies (speech, occupational, physical)
Supplemental curriculum materials
Other approved educational resources and services

Once approved, families will receive access to an online account with the funds pre-loaded to it. Then, parents can browse the approved vendors and services and make purchases directly through the platform.

Timeline and Deadlines

The PDSES application is open now through 5pm on March 31, 2025. Funds are awarded based on availability and priority status. Families should apply early as funds may be limited.

Program Requirements and Responsibilities

Parents must:

Use funds only for approved educational purposes
Keep detailed records of purchases
Submit required documentation
Report any changes in eligibility
Complete periodic surveys or assessments
Maintain communication with program administrators

The PDSES grant program represents a significant opportunity for families to access additional educational supports for their children with special needs. Brighton’s SESS team can review your child’s current IEP to help identify potential educational supports or therapies that may be available through the grant funds.

To learn more about the PDSES, click here.

To read frequently asked questions and submit an application, click here.

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Brighton offers families hope, caring, understanding, education and every bit of it is 100% from their hearts. Our daughter has benefited from ALL of the services that Brighton has to offer. They have become like another family to us and they will always be a part of our lives.

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It was nothing short of a miracle. Brighton offered affordable services, in home visits, and the friendliest/most knowledgeable therapists. A weight was lifted off our shoulders and we knew we had a team in place who cared for and about Ishan as much as we did.

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Brighton’s advocate, Girasol, really helped us get our 3 year old son the services he needed from our local school district. After getting incorrect information from the school district about my son’s eligibility for services, Girasol educated not only our family but also the school district. She reviewed our son’s evaluation documents and talked with us on the phone about the entire special...

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My daughter was at Brighton for almost three years. It was a great place for her that provided a positive learning environment and child-centered staff. My daughter learned empathy and acceptance from her peers and teachers. The center is NAEYC accredited and teachers are knowledgeable of developmentally appropriate practices. They truly care about the children and families with whom they work and...

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My two boys are now attending Brighton. We tried enrolling my 2 year old at another daycare and he hated it. He would cry as soon as he saw the school and was always crying when I picked him up. Needless to say we took him out in less than a week, and looked for another daycare for him and my infant. That’s when we found Brighton. It’s night and day at Brighton! We are on our second week and t...

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As a young child I went to Brighton Center On Higgins, they were all such amazing respectful caring and phonominal people! I am so very thankful for all Brighton has done for me! I 100% recommend Brighton Center for anyone, having been at Brighton when I was a child. I loved every minute second of my time there!! Brighton has changed my life and made me want to become a Special Education Teacher.