Special Education

San Diego Unified School District is committed to providing young children and eligible students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education consistent with federal and state laws. These laws require the district to identify, locate and assess all students within the district from birth to 21 years of age who may have disabilities, and provide the support and services suitable to those that are eligible.

Special Education support and services are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law in 1997. Legislation was signed in November 2004 reauthorizing it as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. The delivery of special education services in the San Diego Unified School District is described in the district’s Local Plan for Special Education .

Special Education provides supports for students who qualify for services due to being identified as having one of the following disabilities that negatively impact their learning:

Autism Orthopedic Impairment Deaf-Blindness Other Health Impairment Deafness Specific Learning Disability Emotional Disturbance Speech or Language Impairment Hearing Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury Mental Retardation Visual Impairment (Including Blindness) Multiple Disabilities San Diego Unified provides services in a variety of school settings, each considering least restrictive to more restrictive environments. Options include:

General education with specialized academic instruction.
Specialized academic instruction in separate classrooms.
Separate schools
Non-public schools (meeting the most restrictive placement requirements)

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) sets the framework for how a child with special needs will best benefit from the many specialized programs and support systems offered at the district. With an IEP in place, Due Process and Mediation guidelines set procedural safeguards and an opportunity to participate in mediation or a due process hearing to resolve disagreements between parents/guardians and the district.

The Special Education Department webpage offers helpful information and timely updates for parents/guardian and staff. Help is available through a Special Ed Hotline and with key contacts for each program and service offered.