The Office of the Director (OD) in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) ensures the effective implementation of OSEP's legislative mission, advises the Assistant Secretary on Federal educational policy related to individuals with disabilities, and provides leadership in addressing problems of American education for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities through the activities of OSEP and within the context of the policies of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Department of Education, and the Congress.

The Office of the Director is responsible for providing leadership to the policy development, management, and resource allocation activities of OSEP. The Office of the Director ensures coordination between the formula and discretionary grant programs administered by OSEP. The Office of the Director serves as the primary communication link between OSEP and constituencies such as parents, professional groups, and organizations of individuals with disabilities. As such, it is responsible for communicating the Administration's priorities and initiatives in early intervention and the education of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, responding to constituency concerns and needs, and providing leadership for development of national consensus on the issues facing special education.

The Program Support Services Group, within the Office of the Director, is responsible for providing cross-divisional program analysis including data collection and analysis, planning for initiatives, developing coordinated budgeting to support cross-divisional efforts, providing tracking and coordination/review for compliance with fiscal and program plans, and assisting with OSEP priority development.