Special Education services are operated by the Mono County Office of Education, Eastern Sierra Unified School District and Mammoth Unified School District. All services are coordinated by the Mono County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), and are available for children from infant through 22 years.

All children develop at different rates and in different ways. Some children are born with special needs that can affect their growth and development. Other children may not show developmental problems, delays or differences until later in childhood. Fortunately, many of these children can get the support they need to reach their potential if parents and child care providers recognize the signs of need early and get help.

PROGRAM AND SERVICE OPTIONS WITHIN MONO COUNTY

Special Education Services are offered to eligible individuals in programs designed to: promote maximum interaction between students in special education and the general school population, allowing maximum interaction while still meeting the unique needs of the child in special education. Parent approval is required prior to changing the education program of any child, whether they are receiving special education services or not.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST PROGRAM (RSP)

The Resource Specialist Program provides support and services for those students who may have disabilities that require support for only a portion of their school day. These services may be provided in a regular education class or “resource class” or by a resource specialist/resource aide.

There are Resource Specialist Programs and teachers at all of the comprehensive elementary, middle and high schools in Mono County. Generally students in this program are in their general education program more than half of their school day.

SPECIAL DAY CLASS (SDC)

Special Day Classes are designed for those disabled students who have needs that may require special education services and support for more than half of their school day. Generally the Special Day Class is a separate class located at most of the schools in Mono County.

Where appropriate, the special day class teacher and/or staff will provide support to the disabled student in his/her general education program. The special day class teacher will also work with the general education teachers by providing curriculum support and modification and by providing relevant information from his/her student’s IEP.

OTHER SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

There are other special education services provided by specialists with professional knowledge and expertise. When necessary these specialists may provide support and services to your child, your child’s teacher or to you. These professionals may include but are not limited to:

INFANT/PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Mono County SELPA in collaboration with the Kern Regional Center provides special education services through the Early Start Program for those infants and toddlers from birth through three years of age, who have a disability or may be at risk for developmental delays.

The Mono County Office of Education provides special education services for children from three years to five years of age. These services include assessment, identification and support for those children who have qualifying disabilities.

SUPPORT SERVICES

School Psychologist

The school psychologist is an individual who has specialized training and experience in areas related to a child’s intellectual, social and emotional development. The school psychologist is usually part of the team that will complete the initial assessment when there is a concern about child’s performance in school. They will frequently assess the areas of intelligence, social-emotional functioning and adaptive behavior. School psychologists also provide input and support in dealing with the behavioral and emotional issues that affect a child’s educational progress.

School Nurse

The School Nurse is concerned with how your child’s health affects his/her learning. With your consent the school nurse will evaluate your child’s health status and may ask questions about parents’ health, pregnancy and your child’s developmental history. When the evaluation is completed, he/she will discuss the findings with you and make recommendations accordingly.

HOW IT ALL HAPPENS

STEP 1: REFERRAL AND IDENTIFICATION

Referral for identification of a child (infant through 21) with a possible special need may come from:

Remember: if a condition or concern with any aspect of your child’s development is identified (infant through preschool age) by your child’s physician, you should contact your local school or county office of education for information on program options.

STEP 2: ASSESSMENT

Before any assessment may begin, an assessment plan will be developed, which identifies areas of your child’s development which will be assessed. This assessment may only begin after you have had an opportunity to review the proposed assessment plan and give written consent. The assessment will be completed by individuals with appropriate training and experience all areas that are assessed. Assessment of your child may include but not be limited to direct “testing” of your child, interviews with you and others who know your child and observation of your child in different settings.

STEP 3: INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)

The IEP is a written statement for each child who has been assessed for eligibility for Special Education Services. The plan that is written by the IEP team must include the parent/guardian, school administrator and teacher. As needed, other members of the team may include the school psychologist, specialists, friends, family members, advocates and other supportive people. Some parents feel comfortable bringing their child to this meeting as well. Your child’s IEP will contain: your child’s present level of education, goals & objectives for the coming year, supplementary aides and services when needed and classroom placement that will be determined at the IEP meeting.

STEP 4: APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT

Once it has been determined that your child qualifies for special education and the IEP team has determined appropriate goals and benchmarks, then the IEP team will consider appropriate placement in the Least Restrictive Environment. The IEP team (which includes YOU) will consider whether your child's needs can most appropriately be met in:

1) a regular classroom with modifications of the regular program carried out by the classroom teacher; 2) in a regular classroom with special assistance from a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) either within the classroom or in a resource room; 3) in a regular classroom with special assistance from other special education service providers (e.g. speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist) either within the classroom or in another room, such as Speech Therapy or small group instruction, or counseling; 4) in a Special Day Class (SDC) with a majority of the school day in a special class with appropriate opportunities for participation in the general education program. In planning for the type of special education placement your child will receive, you have the right to request that your child, to the extent appropriate:

Placement in a non-public school at no cost to parents is another alternative if your child's needs cannot be met through available local school programs. STEP 5: IEP REVIEW Your child's program is reviewed at least once a year to determine how well the program is meeting his or her needs. However, you may request a review at any time. Your participation is needed throughout this process. Changes in your child’s educational program will occur only with your consent

For additional information please contact:

Leah Garratt Assistant Superintendent, Student Services
1651 Meridian Blvd.
P.O. Box 130
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760.934.0031 x229

It is the mission of the Mono County Office of Education to serve, provide exemplary leadership, and to build high quality programs that empower students, staff and the community.