Stockton Unified School District

Special Education Department

What is Special Education?

Special Education provides specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students whose needs cannot be met by modifying the regular classroom program. Services include related supports at no cost to parents to help students succeed.

Students are guaranteed a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), described in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and instruction is delivered in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), learning alongside non-disabled peers whenever possible.

Eligibility for Services

Eligibility is determined by the IEP team based on state and federal criteria. Not all children with special needs require Special Education. Eligibility categories include:

Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Intellectual Disability
Autism
Emotional Disturbance
Other Health Impairment
Visual or Hearing Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment
Multiple Disabilities
Traumatic Brain Injury
Deaf-Blindness
Established Medical Disability (ages 0-5)

Child Find

The District identifies, locates, and evaluates all children with disabilities, including those in private or religious schools. Activities include:

Sharing materials with school staff, parents, and administrators
Distributing information to local pediatricians

Referrals are made after general education resources are considered.

Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)

Stockton Unified SELPA ensures FAPE for all students ages 3-21, including those suspended or expelled. SELPA programs provide academic, non-academic, and extracurricular opportunities comparable to non-disabled peers. Learn more about SELPA.

IEP & IDEA Support

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal/state regulations guide how parents, teachers, and administrators collaborate to ensure quality education. SELPA provides ongoing training and support for IEP implementation and compliance.

Our Mission

The mission of the Special Education Department is to provide every student with individualized high-quality instruction and well-rounded educational experiences while promoting success and developing personal independence through leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Our Vision

All SUSD students with disabilities will continue to receive high-quality instruction, programs, and services with an emphasis on inclusionary practices and afforded opportunities.

Our Values

Data-driven decisions to improve student achievement.
Promoting inclusionary opportunities in all educational environments.
Implementing evidence-based and classroom-based practices for positive, safe learning.
Supporting district initiatives in ELA and Math curriculum implementation.