Special Education

The Division provides special education for students with disabilities of all ages in Los Angeles county public schools. Disabilities may include hearing or vision impairments, severe emotional disturbances, and autism spectrum disorders. Services include special education, special education advocacy, special education plan development, and student disability services. There are no geographic restrictions.

The Early Intervention Support Services department provides education assessment for children age birth to three. An Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) is developed for each student. Staff work closely with the Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPA's; see separate entries) to ensure that students have the materials and support they need to succeed in the classroom. Special classes are offered on public school campuses to accommodate those children who cannot participate in the general classroom.

Audiological support, braille materials, and speech and language services are provided in the classroom as needed. Other supportive services include psychological counseling and guidance, orientation and mobility instruction, health and nursing, adapted physical education, occupational and physical therapy, and transportation.