Washington Unified School District

MISSION
The mission of Special Services is to provide a planned program of instructional, psychological, social, and related services to help schools meet the unique needs of students with disabilities and their families. Special Services provides a network of support to staff, students, and families that enables students to succeed as individuals within the learning environment. Through program evaluation, staff development, and support for special education and other student services supports, Special Services ensures that the program areas in schools are fully supported and able to comply with fiscal, legal, and personnel requirements.

 

Special Services
Special Services is comprised of three specific areas that support students; special education, 504 Plan, and Health Services. The focus of Special Services is to provide students with disabilities or health-related challenges the tools and resources to benefit from their educational program.

 

Special Education
Special Education is not a “place,” rather, it is a set of services. The goal of Washington Unified School District (WUSD) is to partner with families regarding the individual needs of children. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that helps guide school teams and families in determining eligibility of students and the development of an Individual Education Program (IEP). WUSD has a continuum of services to meet the needs of our diverse student population.

 

Section 504 Plan
Section 504 Plan of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is a federal civil rights law. It is designed to eliminate discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. Since all public schools receive federal funds, all public school districts must comply with Section 504. Under Section 504, denying a student with a disability a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is disability discrimination.  Please contact your student's school site regarding further information about Section 504 Plans.

 

Health Services
Health Services in WUSD are designed to ensure schools have resources and systems to provide students with health-related care needed to access school. Duties include medication management, health care collaboration, monitoring of medical care plans, and general oversight of medical related needs.

 

Programs and Services
WUSD offers a continuum of services and placement options for students eligible for Special Education. The goal of WUSD is for children to be educated in their neighborhood school and in the general education setting to the greatest extent possible. Washington Unified School District believes that there is inherent benefit for eligible students to learn with their community peers. At times, students are placed in programs that may not be located at their resident school.

 

Continuum of Services and Placement Options

• General Education Class Instruction
• Resource Program
• Special Day Classes
• Adult Transition
• County Programs
• Non-Public Schools

Services are provided to students based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is developed based on evaluation results and in collaboration with both educators and parents/guardians.