NOTE: DMPS is making several changes and updates to our website to highlight our current programs, departments, and offices. Our Student and Family Services department oversees several areas impacting student education. When the web site update is complete those items will be housed in this section of the website. In the meantime, if you cannot find information online please be sure to use the search tool at the top of this page.

Des Moines Public Schools is committed to providing students of all abilities and backgrounds with access to a free and appropriate education to prepare them for the next stage of their lives.
Both in and out of the classroom, Student and Family Services works to meet the diverse needs of our students. From serving special education students with individual educational plans to offering dozens of opportunities for all students to participate in activities to developing a culture and climate in school inclusive of all, the department works to help everyone find a way to succeed.

Special education teachers, Early ACCESS teachers, psychologists, nurses, social workers, special education consultants, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists are provided through Student & Family Services to meet the unique needs of individual students.

Student and Family Services is also home to our Welcome Center where students from Des Moines and dozens of countries around the world enroll for school. Afterschool programs are developed and managed to serve thousands of students throughout the city. And community partnerships grow to meet the needs of students outside of the classroom.

For more information on what Student and Family Services provides for the students of DMPS, please visit the menu items listed to the right. If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, click on the “menu” bar above.