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Introduction
Introduction
The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) provides special education services to early learners who live within our district boundaries through the Early Childhood Special Education Department (ECSE). ECSE is a state and federally mandated program for preschool children who meet the eligibility criteria with a federal handicapping condition. Eligibility for children is determined through an assessment process guided by established federal and state rules and regulation, based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
School districts and other public agencies are obligated to participate in "child find" which includes outreach to locate, identify and/or evaluate students who are potentially eligible in order to over a free and appropriate public education. Special education is a system of supports and services for children who require specially designated instruction to gain educational benefit. These services are provided through federal, state, and district funding under IDEA.
It is the goal of the SDUSD ECSE Department to support district families by providing a unique program for each child to ensure that they each achieve their highest potential.
Programs Within ECSE
Programs Within ECSE
ECSE Infant Program
ECSE Infant Program
SDUSD serves a limited number of infants aged birth to 35 months through interagency collaboration with California Early Start. For children who are eligible for special education, an Individualized Family Service Plam (IFSP) is developed to support their needs. For further information or to make a referral, please contact your San Diego Regional Center Service Coordinator or the SDUSD Infant Program at infantprogram@sandi.net.
ECSE Early Learning Program
ECSE Early Learning Program
This program serves children aged 3 to 5 years of age who are eligible for special education and not yet enrolled in TK or Kindergarten. Classroom service provision starts on the date of the child's third birthday and may continue through enrollment in TK or Kindergarten.
ECSE Assessment Team
ECSE Assessment Team
This team assesses children aged 2 years 9 months up to the date of their fifth birthday who are not yet enrolled in or eligible for Kindergarten.
For eligible children, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to support their needs. Although many community partners may recommend assessment, the request must come from the child's legal parent/guardian.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten
if your child is 4 years of age by September 1st of the current school year, they are age eligible to attend a full-day transitional kindergarten (TK) program at either their school of residence or cluster site (for students with extensive support needs). For enrollment information, click the icon on left.
How do I request an evaluation?
How do I request an evaluation?
Find the statement that matches your child's age below and next steps.
Find the statement that matches your child's age below and next steps.
My child is a client of San Diego Regional Center AND has not yet turned 3. When a child who is a client of San Diego Regional Center is approaching their 3rd birthday, a meeting is held to facilitate the transition from an IFSP to an IEP. As part of this process, complete a referral to SDUSD.
My child is 3 and will not be 4 by September 1st of the current school year.
**Note: If your child is 3 AND has an IEP from another school district, do not complete the referral form linked on right. Send a copy of your child's current signed and implemented IEP to lzamora1@sandi.net or call (858) 490-8544.
My child is 4 and will not be 5 by September 1st of the current school year.
**Note: If your child is 4 AND has an IEP from another school district, do not complete the referral form linked on right. Send a copy of your child's current signed and implemented IEP to lzamora1@sandi.net or call (858) 490-8544.
My child turns 5 by September 1 of the current school year
Enroll your child as a Kindergarten student at your school of residence. The special education team at the site will engage with you regarding your child's educational needs.
FAQs
FAQs
How do I request an evaluation for my child?
How do I request an evaluation for my child?
Please consult the chart above to determine your next steps for requesting an evaluation.
What is the procedure for evaluation?
What is the procedure for evaluation?
Once the referral for assessment is submitted, the parents will be notified within 15 days regarding next steps and invited to a peer group as part of our intake process. In general, the parent will either be offered an assessment plan and/or a prior written notice document declining the referral to assess.
If the intake team moves forward with an assessment, the parents will be put in contact with one of the ECSE assessment teams. The process will be explained to the family and an assessment plan will be provided. Once the assessment is consented to, the team has 60 days to assess the student.
After the assessment is complete, an IEP meeting is scheduled to review the results with the family. If it is determined that the child is eligible for special education services, an IEP will be developed. The IEP identifies the needs of the student for which the team will create goals and recommend services to support the child. the IEP is a legal document and is honored by other school districts within the U.S.
What if my child has an IEP from another school district?
What if my child has an IEP from another school district?
If your child is currently 3 or will turn 4 after September 1 of the current year, please email a copy of the IEP from the last school district to earlylearningenroll@sandi.net. Your child's IEP will be reviewed to determine next steps to hold an interim IEP and provide comparable services.
What happens when my child becomes eligible to enter Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten?
What happens when my child becomes eligible to enter Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten?
Students transition from the ECSE program to TK or Kindergarten when they are age eligible. Parents can register their students at their neighborhood school or request enrollment at the school of their choice via the Neighborhood Schools Enrollment Options Program (please refer to deadlines in the fall). A transition IEP will be held and the student's IEP will be updated to reflect the change to TK/Kindergarten.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Early Childhood Special Education
Whittier School
Special Education Bungalow B30
3401 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone (858) 490-8530
Fax (619) 490-8536
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