Sonoma Valley Unified School District

Special Education Services

Welcome! The Department of Special Education Services is a division of Education Services that is responsible for the leadership, administration, and supervision of special education and health services. Our special education programs serve eligible students with mild to intensive needs, ranging from preschool to 12th grade programs.

All special education services are determined at the individual student level through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

The IEP process is student-centered and focuses on a student’s strengths, unique needs, goals, and necessary services and supports that are reasonably calculated to provide the student with an educational benefit in the least restrictive environment.

Contact us at (707) 935-6004. Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm.

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Meet the Team

Special Education Commitment and Support Services

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District is committed to providing free appropriate public education (FAPE) for eligible preschoolers, school-age students and supporting the transition as they become young adults with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to meet each student’s individual needs.

Special education is provided for students based upon the individual needs of the student and the recommendations of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. The IEP team develops an IEP, a legal document that describes the services that the SVUSD will provide for each student who is eligible for special education.

Special education services are provided under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that was signed into law in 1997, then reauthorized in 2004 as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004.

SVUSD provides a continuum of services in order to meet the individual needs of our students. These programs and services include the following:

Special Education Programs
Resource Program
Collaborative Teaching
Moderate/Severe Self-Contained

Special Education Services
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Adaptive Physical Education

Specialized Academic Instruction
Psychological Services
Specialized Health Care
Transition Support
Behavior Intervention

Resources

Parent Handbook
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District's Special Education Parent Handbook provides an essential guide for parents navigating the special education process. It includes key sections such as terms and definitions, special education laws, parents' roles, services offered, timelines for assessments, IEP requirements, and more. The handbook also outlines parents' rights, responsibilities, and steps to resolve issues, ensuring a collaborative approach to support children's educational needs.
Parent Resources
Access a range of resources to support parents and families. This section includes the Parent Handbook, information about the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), diagnostic services, and organizations dedicated to specific disabilities. Find important publications, transition planning resources, and support from the Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center. Get the tools and information you need to advocate for and support your child's educational journey.
Staff Resources
Access a comprehensive collection of documents and guidelines to support special education, including assessment tools, mental health services, legal updates, policies, procedures, and more.
Educational and Career Resources
Find a wide range of resources for transition, education, and career planning. Access support from state and county organizations, explore academic and technology aids, and discover services for specific disabilities. This section offers essential tools and information for families, educators, and administrators involved in special education.
Child Find
The Child Find mandate under IDEA requires identifying, locating, and evaluating children up to age 21 who may need special education services. Find procedures and contact information for referrals within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.
SEIS 2.0
Access a variety of SEIS training resources, including the SEIS 101 video for new teachers and providers, preschool transition instructions, and additional training materials. Visit our Sonoma County SELPA YouTube channel for more SEIS tutorials and guidance.