Special Education is all about creating a supportive and customized learning environment for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive educational benefit. The goal is to include students in general education whenever possible, so removal from this setting is only considered when a student's disability is so severe that they cannot thrive with the help of additional supports and resources.
To determine eligibility for special education services, a thorough assessment process is conducted within sixty days of a signed assessment plan. This process helps identify the specific needs of each child. The school district offers a variety of instructional support services tailored to these needs, such as specialized classes, counseling-enhanced classes, academic life skills courses, occupational therapy, and speech and language services. These services are outlined in each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Importantly, children with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers as much as possible, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that benefits all students. This approach not only helps students with disabilities to learn and grow but also enriches the educational experience for everyone involved.
Resource Documents and Parent Resources
California Department of Education Special Education Resources
Parent Rights and Procedural Safeguards: English and Spanish
Contact Information
Michael DeFrancesco
Director of Educational Services & Human Resources (Special Education Administrator and Coordinator for Title II, Title IX, Section 504)
mdefrancesco@calistogajusd.org
707-942-4703
Jon Green
School Psychologist/Program Specialist
jgreen@calistogajusd.org
707-942-4398
Kelsey Petithomme
Napa SELPA, Director
kpetithomme@napacoe.org
707-253-6810