Special Education

The education of a child is a responsibility shared by parents and school. When the child has a disability, that partnership is especially strong. A true partnership is based on equal knowledge and respect. Parents are the ultimate experts on their children. School staff contribute knowledge of programs, services, and curriculum that can best help the child meet his/her goals. As we recognize each child's strengths and work together to meet his/her needs, we all invest in the child's success.

Special Education Services and 504s 

SPUSD offers programs for students with disabilities. These services are available to eligible students in both the push in (support within the regular classroom) and pull out (support in a separate classroom) models. Students with more severe disabilities may be served outside the District through an interdistrict agreement. 

Per EC 56040 et seq., any student with a disability, who is eligible to receive special education and related services, shall receive such instruction and/or services at no cost and in the least restrictive environment. The IDEA establishes 14 distinct disabling conditions, which may require special education services. Federal law (IDEA, 20 USC 1400, et seq.; Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 504) requires a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment be offered to qualified disabled students. Further, the law prohibits discrimination against a student with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, national origin, or lack of English skills. This includes the availability of reasonable accommodations for pupils with disabilities. 

Section 504

Section 504 defines a person with a disability as anyone who: 1) has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, including, but not limited to: walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks; 2) has a record of such an impairment; or 3) is regarded as having such impairment. San Pasqual Union School Family Handbook 2019-20 SPUSD has specific responsibilities to identify, evaluate, and, if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504 or the IDEA, afford access to appropriate services. Parents/Guardians should note that a Section 504 Service Plan is a civil rights statute and not a special education statute. If you need more information regarding Section 504 Service Plans and/or special education services, please contact the Section 504 Coordinator or your child’s teacher.