About Services Available to Parents
We hope to provide information on services and resources that will assist parents in understanding their procedural safeguards and the services afforded to eligible children with disabilities under State and Federal regulations. Parents will find information about workshops and events, how to access support for services available to their child, and how to understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. It is our philosophy that all children with disabilities shall be provided a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Definitions
What is FAPE? FAPE means special education and related services that are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; meet the standards of the California Department of Education, including the requirements of 34 CFR 300.1-300.818; include appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education for children between the ages of 3 and 21; and are provided in conformity with the students' IEP that meets the requirement of 34 CFR 300.320-300.324.
What is LRE? Least restrictive environment means that, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, be educated with children who are nondisabled, including the provision of nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities.
What does special education mean? Special education means specially designed instruction, provided at no cost to the parent/guardian, to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities whose educational needs cannot be met with modification of the regular instruction program. It also includes related services, provided at no cost to the parent/guardian, that may be needed to assist these individuals to benefit from specially designed instruction.
What is specially designed instruction? Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate, to the needs of an eligible student, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the student that result from the student's disabilities and to ensure access of the student to the general curriculum, so that the student can meet the educational standards within the district that apply to all students.