Special education is offered preferentially in the regular education network, serving students with disabilities, global developmental disorders, and high abilities or giftedness.

Educational assistance for the special education population is carried out in special classes, schools, or specialized services whenever the student's parents or guardians formally opt for this arrangement at the moment of enrollment.

Special education is a modality offered only in the regular network, and its support services must be located outside the school premises in order to preserve pedagogical autonomy.

The population served comprises students with disabilities and global developmental disorders, since students with high abilities or giftedness are directed to the common curriculum without specialized measures.

The offer of special education begins in elementary education and ceases upon the conclusion of compulsory basic education.