About

The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is a discretionary project of the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS). BEESS directly supports the FLDOE's Guiding Principles and Strategic Initiatives.

The FDLRS Associate Centers provide an array of instructional and technical support services to school district Exceptional Student Education programs statewide. The four central functions of each FDLRS Associate Center are:

  • Child Find
  • Parent and Family Services
  • Human Resource Development (HRD)
  • and Technology

FDLRS includes 18 Associate Centers that serve Florida’s sixty- seven school districts. These centers collaborate with districts, agency and support personnel, communities, families, and other educational personnel providing support services for educators, parents, school administrators, and students with exceptionalities. Funding also supports implementation of the Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA). PLA online modules are designed to provide Florida teachers with widely available, easily accessible opportunities to increase their skills in the area of exceptional student education. In support of sustaining highly qualified educators, the Statewide Elementary K-6 and the Middle Grades 5-9 Online Content Review Modules are also coordinated through the FDLRS Network.

FDLRS Provision of Services

Vision & Mission

The vision of the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is that every child receiving exceptional student education services will be able to achieve their fullest potential from prekindergarten through postsecondary opportunities, resulting in college, career, and life readiness.

The mission of the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is to support and enhance exceptional student education programs by providing evidence-based, high-quality professional learning opportunities; integrating assistive and instructional technology; promoting family engagement; and ensuring access to early intervention services.

Funding Source 

FDLRS is funded by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services, through Federal assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B; IDEA Part B Preschool; and State General Revenue funds.

The Florida Inclusion Network is funded by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, IDEA Part B. This discretionary project is at the Florida State University's Learning Systems Institute.

Staff Directory

The Four Functions of FDLRS

Child Find

FDLRS Child Find in coordination with the school districts, locates children who are potentially eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and links them with needed services. Child Find services help to promote general public awareness of programs and services available for young children who have or are at risk of developing disabilities. Service coordination for diagnostic screening, placement, training, and support is also provided.

Human Resource Development

FDLRS Human Resources Development (HRD) personnel provide professional learning opportunities to educators focused on refining teacher practice and increasing student achievement. Professional learning events are aligned with Florida's Professional Learning Protocol Evaluation. FDLRS HRD Specialists support educators in their study of effective learning and teaching practices by providing needs assessments, content and or skill-based workshops, facilitating local learning communities, implementation/ coaching sessions and provide follow-up support. The professional learning activities are offered in face-to-face and virtual settings as well as at a variety of training levels including awareness, in-depth, skill development and implementation.

Parent & Family Services

FDLRS Parent Services provides information, training, and support to districts and families, in order to promote effective parent participation in the education of children who are exceptional and/or have special needs. Parent Services include assistance in the development of family-friendly programs, training and support for services for children with disabilities, and the support of partnerships between schools and parents to support student achievement.

Technology

FDLRS provides assistance and support in the appropriate use of a variety of technologies for students, teachers, professional staff, and parents. Support services are available in the areas of assistive technology, instructional technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), AIM/NIMAS Florida services, and virtual/online instruction. In addition to Technology Specialist at all 18 local FDLRS Associate Centers, statewide services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing (RMTC-D/HH) and statewide services for students who are blind or visually impaired (FIMC-VI) are offered by FDLRS.