Special Education is defined in federal law as specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents or guardians, to meet the unique needs of a disabled child. The California State Department of Education has interpreted the federal law into specific criteria by which a student can qualify for special education programs/services. Some students require special education services because of physical, emotional, intellectual, medical, or learning disabilities.

The District is committed to the philosophy that each exceptional child must be provided an appropriate public education in the least restrictive educational environment (most normal educational setting) designed to meet his/her unique needs.

Desert Sands Unified School District provides specially designed instruction to meet the needs of all disabled students up to 22 years of age. Once a child qualifies, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be written documenting the individual needs of the child. Students may receive special education services in a wide variety of placements, including:

• General Education Classroom with Modifications
• General Education Classroom with Related Services
• Special Education Classroom with Related Services
• Home/Hospital Instruction
• Non-Public School

An example of some of the related services provided by the district are:

• Language/Speech/Hearing Therapy
• Adapted Physical Education
• Psychological Counseling
• Health Services
• Specialized Health Care
• Mobility Training
• Sign Language Interpreters

If you feel your child may qualify as a child having exceptional needs or would like more information, please contact the Special Education Department at the phone numbers listed on our "Assignments" page. Referrals for special education services can also be made at any school office within Desert Sands Unified School District.