Special Education - About
Hope Elementary School District Special Education
Committed to ensuring that every student is valued, included, and supported to reach their potential. Through collaborative partnerships, inclusive practices and evidence-based strategies, students are provided opportunites for growth, belonging and independence.
What Is Special Education?
Special education is specially designed instruction and related services provided to students with disabilities whose unique learning needs cannot be met through general education supports alone. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students receive individualized services and supports that help them access, participate in and make progress in their educational program.
Eligibility for Special Education
A student may be eligible for special education when a disability adversely affects their educational performance and they require specialized instruction to access and benefit from their education. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation and consideration of federal and state criteria under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Students may qualify under one or more of the following 13 disability categories: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment (including blindness). Eligibility decisions are made by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team based on assessment results, educational impact, and the student's need for specialized instruction and related services.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines a student's unique educational needs, goals, services, and supports. The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that includes parents/guardians, educators, administrators, and related service providers. It is designed to ensure that each eligible student receives the specialized instruction, accommodations, and services needed to access and benefit from their education.
How to Get Support
Birth to age 3: In Santa Barbara County, the Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) provides Early Start services for eligible infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays. How to get started: Go to this linked website.
Early Childhood (ages 3 – 4 years old): Hope Elementary School District does not operate a general preschool program. Hope School District provides Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for eligible children ages 3–4 who have disabilities that impact their participation and learning in educational settings. Children currently receiving services through the Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) may be referred to Hope School District as they approach their third birthday. Families with concerns about their child's development may also contact the district directly. Eligible children ages 3–4 receive special education services through an IEP, with services determined based on individual student needs. How to get started: Complete this linked form.
Elementary (TK – 6th grade): If you have concerns about your student’s academic progress, communication, social skills, behavior or development, the first step is to request a Student Study Team (SST) meeting at your student’s school. You can request this meeting through the site principal. The SST is a collaborative team that includes parents/guardians, teachers and school staff who work together to identify concerns, review student strengths and develop supports and interventions to help the student make progress. The team may recommend classroom accommodations, targeted interventions, additional resources or further assessment when appropriate. How to get started: Contact the site principal.
Kristin Lindquist
Director of Special Education
klindquist@hopeschooldistrict.org
805-563-4906
Marjorie Godoy Alvarado
Special Education Administrative Assistant
mgodoyalvarado@hopeschooldistrict.org
805-563-4906
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Special Education Parent and Guardian Rights
Parents and Guardians of students with disabilities are afforded rights in the special education process. These rights are called Procedural Safeguards.
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Santa Barbara County SELPA
SELPA stands for Special Education Local Plan Area. In California, every school district, county office of education, and charter school is a member of a SELPA. SELPA provides oversight, guidance, training and support to local education agencies (LEAs) and parents/guardians.