FDLRS

What FDLRS does

FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System) is a legislatively established statewide network operating under Section 1006.03, Florida Statutes, and administered by the Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) since 1978 (with predecessor programs dating to 1971). It delivers four integrated core service lines to Florida's exceptional student education ecosystem: (1) Child Find developmental screenings for children aged 34 months to 5 years, (2) Parent and Family Services including a statewide Family Help Desk ticket system, (3) Human Resource Development (HRD) providing evidence-based professional learning to educators, and (4) Technology Services covering assistive and instructional technology, Accessible Educational Materials, and Universal Design for Learning integration.

Service delivery runs through 18 Associate Centers covering every Florida county, supplemented by two Specialized Centers (FIMC-VI for visually impaired students, RMTC-D/HH for deaf and hard of hearing students) and six Multidisciplinary Centers co-located at Florida State University, University of Florida, UF-Jacksonville, University of South Florida, University of Miami, and Keiser University. Digital infrastructure consists of the BEESS Portal to Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA) for facilitated and self-paced online courses, the Path to Learn video and module platform (3-5 minute clips), the Special Ed Connection parent resource library, and a JotForm-powered intake system. Total program output is substantial at scale: 445,698 Florida public school students with disabilities served, 50,518 educators trained, 25,900 children screened, 22,306 IDEA Part B evaluations referred, and 111,315 people supported statewide.

The business model is non-commercial: FDLRS is funded entirely by the Florida Department of Education through federal IDEA Part B funds and State General Revenue. All services are provided free of charge to families, educators, and the 67+ Florida school districts served. There is no private revenue, no equity ownership, and no investor exposure; control and oversight rest entirely with the State of Florida. Customer segments are therefore institutional rather than commercial: families of children with disabilities, Florida educators, and Florida school districts, with the Florida DOE functioning as the sole 'paying' entity.

Name

FDLRS

Legal name

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)

Website

https://fdlrs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FDLRS is a Florida Department of Education statewide network delivering free developmental screenings, family support, educator professional learning, and assistive technology services to students with disabilities through 18 associate centers, 2 specialized centers, and 6 university-based multidisciplinary centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Support Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG), Parent & Caregiver Training for IEP Navigation (EDAKACAJ), Specialized Learning Support (Dyslexia/LD Coaching, Assistive Strategies) (EDAJALAJ), Parent & Caregiver Training for LD/Dyslexia Support (EDAKAJAJ)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Developmental screening programs
• Educator professional learning
• Assistive technology support
• Family support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Palatka

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices26 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: FDLRS is funded by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) through federal assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and State General Revenue funds. All services are provided free to families and educators.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FDLRS provides free statewide educational support services for students with disabilities and exceptional needs across Florida. Its four core service areas are: Child Find (developmental screenings for children ages 34 months to 5 years), Parent & Family Services (information, training, and IEP guidance), Human Resource Development (evidence-based professional learning for educators), and Technology Services (assistive and instructional technology integration, Accessible Educational Materials, and Universal Design for Learning support). Services are delivered through 18 Associate Centers, 6 university-based Multidisciplinary Centers, and 2 Specialized Centers.

Product overview

FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System) is a statewide network operated by the Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, offering four integrated core services: Child Find (developmental screenings for ages 34 months-5 years), Parent & Family Services (family support and engagement), Human Resource Development (professional learning for educators), and Technology Services (assistive/instructional technology support). The organization delivers these services through 18 associate centers across Florida, supplemented by the BEESS Portal to PLA (online course platform with facilitated and independent courses) and FDLRS Path to Learn (self-paced video and module library), both used by educators for professional development. Family support is further enhanced through the FDLRS Family Help Desk (statewide ticket-based support service) and Special Ed Connection (parent-focused online resource with guidance articles). Two specialized centers (FIMC-VI and RMTC-D/HH) provide focused services for students with visual and hearing impairments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BEESS Portal to Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA): Free, statewide online hub for Florida educators offering facilitated and independent self-paced courses to improve skills in supporting students with disabilities.
• Path to Learn
• FDLRS Path to Learn

Products and services

• FDLRS Child Find Identification and free developmental screening service for children aged 34 months to 5 years who are not enrolled in public school or Head Start, with no insurance required; connects families to early intervention services and IDEA Part B evaluations.
• FDLRS Parent & Family Services Free information, training, and ongoing support services empowering parents as active partners in their child's special education journey, including IEP guidance and school-family partnership support.
• FDLRS Human Resource Development (HRD) Evidence-based professional learning services covering instructional strategies, accommodations, Universal Design for Learning, specially designed instruction, and IEP development for Florida educators and district staff.
• FDLRS Technology Services Free assistive and instructional technology support, Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), Universal Design for Learning (UDL) integration, and virtual instruction assistance for educators and districts serving students with disabilities.
• BEESS Portal to Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA) Free statewide online learning portal offering facilitated courses (scheduled with instructor) and independent study self-paced courses for Florida educators to build skills in supporting students with disabilities, with in-service credit options.
• FDLRS Path to Learn Self-paced online learning platform offering focused modules and short educational videos (3-5 minutes) to help Florida educators support students with disabilities.
• FDLRS Family Help Desk Free statewide support service for Florida families offering articles, resources, and expert answers on topics such as IEPs, behavior, and specific disabilities via an online ticket form routed to local Associate Centers.
• Special Ed Connection Free comprehensive online resource for Florida parents of students with disabilities, offering nearly 450 'Smart Starts' guidance articles, a searchable dictionary, news updates, best-practice round-ups, and helpful tools.
• Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI) Specialized center serving students who are blind or visually impaired, supporting teachers, districts, and agencies with Accessible Educational Materials, specialized instruction, and NIMAS coordination.
• Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RMTC-D/HH) Specialized center serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing with resource materials, technology assistance, and professional support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,518 individuals trained statewide through professional learning
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS)coreOthers · 1 January 1978FDLRS is a project of the Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. BEESS provides funding through IDEA Part B and State General Revenue, and oversees FDLRS operations. FDLRS supports Florida's Strategic Plan goals including Highest Student Achievement, Seamless Articulation, Skilled Workforce, and Quality Efficient Services.
• Florida State University (FSU) Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center providing diagnostic and evaluation services for students with disabilities. Located in Tallahassee, serving north Florida region.
• University of Florida (UF) Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center providing diagnostic services and training. Located in Gainesville, serving Alachua and surrounding counties.
• University of Florida at Jacksonville (UF-Jax) Multidisciplinary CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center providing diagnostic and learning resources. Located in Jacksonville, serving Baker and surrounding counties.
• University of South Florida (USF) Interdisciplinary Center for Evaluation and InterventioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center providing evaluation and intervention services. Located in Tampa, serving Lake and surrounding counties.
• University of Miami (UM) Multidisciplinary CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center including the Linda Ray Intervention Center. Located in Miami, serving Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
• Keiser University Multidisciplinary CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based multidisciplinary center providing evaluation and diagnostic services. Located in Fort Lauderdale, serving Brevard and surrounding counties.
• Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized center serving students who are blind or visually impaired. Provides accessible instructional materials, supports teachers and districts, and coordinates NIMAS. Located in Tampa.
• Resources Materials and Technology Center: Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-DHH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized center serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Provides resource materials, technology assistance, and professional support. Located in St. Augustine.
• Early StepscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide early intervention program for children under 34 months. FDLRS refers families with children under 34 months to Early Steps for developmental services.
• Head StartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal early childhood education program. FDLRS Child Find works with Head Start to identify children who may need additional support. Families in Head Start should share concerns with their child's teacher.
• Help Me Grow FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide program connecting families with local services for healthy child development. FDLRS refers families to Help Me Grow Florida for developmental screenings and parenting support.
• Healthy Start FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram providing free local services for child development during pregnancy and early years. FDLRS refers families for home visits, developmental screenings, and parenting support.
• Disability Rights FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtection and advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities. FDLRS refers families for disability-related publications, toolkits, and advocacy support.
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities. FDLRS refers families for information about the Hope Florida program and pathways to independence.
• Project 10: Secondary Transition Education NavigationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide project supporting secondary transition for students with disabilities. FDLRS provides families with resources including graduation charts, middle school planning maps, and guides for transfer of rights.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pearson Clinical Assessment: Pearson Clinical provides standardized assessments (e.g., WISC, WIAT) widely used in special education evaluations. Comparable to the assessment tools used by FDLRS's Multidisciplinary Centers for diagnostic services, though operating as a commercial test publisher rather than service provider.

Others

• Understood.org: Understood.org is a free nonprofit resource for parents of children with learning disabilities and ADHD, offering articles, tools, and community. It parallels FDLRS's Parent & Family Services and Family Help Desk by delivering parent education on IEPs, behavior, and specific disabilities.
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): CEC is the largest international professional organization for special educators, providing standards, professional development, and policy advocacy. Comparable to FDLRS's HRD function in serving the special educator workforce, though operating as a membership association rather than a state-funded service network.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR): CPIR is a federally funded hub network of parent training and information centers serving families of children with disabilities. Directly comparable to FDLRS's Family Help Desk and parent-facing services, with similar OSEP-driven parent training mandate at a national scale.
• Reading Partners: Reading Partners provides literacy tutoring and intervention in underserved schools, with evidence-based curricula for struggling readers including those with learning disabilities. It is comparable to a subset of FDLRS's HRD and reading-related Path to Learn offerings, though delivered as a nonprofit program.

Direct peers

• PresenceLearning: PresenceLearning provides online special education services including evaluations, speech-language therapy, and behavioral support to K-12 districts nationwide. It is directly comparable to FDLRS's Multidisciplinary Centers (which offer evaluations and intervention via university partnerships), though operating on a private, paid-services model.
• RethinkEd: RethinkEd offers a special education platform covering behavior, mental health, academics, and professional development for educators. It is comparable to FDLRS's HRD function and BEESS Portal/Path to Learn content library, but delivered as a commercial SaaS product.

Emerging players

• PACER Center: PACER is a Minnesota-based parent training and information center funded by OSEP to help families of children with disabilities navigate special education. It is comparable to FDLRS's Parent & Family Services and Family Help Desk, with similar OSEP/federal parent-training mandate.

Regional players

• California SELPAs (Special Education Local Plan Areas): California's 130 SELPAs coordinate special education services across districts, including assessment, professional development, and parent support. They mirror FDLRS's mandate to deliver IDEA-funded special education infrastructure at regional scale, with similar statutory grounding in state education code.
• Texas Education Service Centers (ESC Region): Texas operates a network of 20 regional Education Service Centers that deliver special education support, professional development, and assistive technology to school districts in analogous fashion to FDLRS. ESCs are funded by Texas Education Agency and IDEA, making them the closest structural analog to FDLRS in another state.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fdlrs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fdlrs-action-resource-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries26 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FDLRS