SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Types of Programs

Specialized Academic Instruction is based on a students IEP.  The following is a brief description of the programs available within Val Verde Unified School District:

Infant Program (ages 0 - 3)

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is responsible for the provision of Early Start services for children with a primary focus on children with solely low incidence disabilities (e.g., deaf, blind, deaf-blind, orthopedic impairment, visually impaired).

Anyone who has a concern about an infant's growth or development may make a referral to the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Early Start Infant CIRCLE Program by calling (951) 826-7100. A child with a potential disability other than low incidence will be referred to the Inland Regional Center.

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Preschool Program (ages 3 - 5)

Special Day Preschool Classes provide services to students with a variety of disabilities including delayed cognitive abilities, language delays, autism, physical disabilities, hearing impairment, and learning disabilities. All classes provide the opportunity to interact with non-disabled peers and have parent education components. A full range of related services is available as appropriate, including ABA, Adaptive Physical Education, Speech and Language Services, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Parent Education, and other related services.
 

Regular Class Modification

The regular education class teacher may modify the educational program to meet the student's needs. These modifications are usually the result of consultations with the parents/guardians, school psychologist, a special education teacher, and/or other members of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team.

Learning Center Model (LCM)

The Learning Center model is available at campuses across our district.  Within this setting, students receive intensive instruction in the core curriculum in a pull-out setting. This model is supported by collaboration between general education and special education teachers, support staff, and instructional aides.  Services and supports are based on the needs of the student, as outlined in the students IEP.

Resource Specialist Program (RSP)

Resource Specialists provide instruction and services for those students whose needs have been identified in an IEP and who are assigned to the regular classroom for a majority of the school day. The Resource Specialist Program may serve students representing a variety of handicapping conditions whose educational needs can be appropriately addressed within this part-time setting.

Special Class (SDC)

Special classes are situated on regular campuses and are designed to meet the specific educational needs of students with learning, language, emotional, or physical problems. A student placed in one of these self-contained settings may be mainstreamed for one or more regular class as appropriate. Students who demonstrate the ability to participate for more than half of the school day in regular classes would then be eligible to transfer to the less restrictive Resource Specialist Program.

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Emotional Disturbance (ED) & Behavioral Support Settings

Val Verde Unified School District believes that students with emotional disabilities and severe behavior issues can reach their highest potential in safe and structured environments.  Therefore, at both the elementary and secondary level, programs are structured in such a way as to provide a strong sense of security, a positive attitude toward learning, and incentives for appropriate behavior.  Mental Health Counseling Therapists work closely with each program to provide teaching strategies and student support. The following research-based strategies and components are incorporated within each program:  Positive Reinforcement Techniques, Rewards-Based Incentives, Personal Accountability, Mutual Respect, Individual Behavior Contracts, Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, Consistency & Predictability, Mental Health Counseling, Anger Management, and Social Skills Workshops.

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Life Skills Program(LS)

Life Skills programs are designed for students with moderate to severe disabilities.  IEP placement within this program provides intensive instruction and services to students who, by the severity of their disability, precludes full participation in the regular education setting. Within this setting, individualized instruction focuses on functional academics and life skills across five domains:  Domestic, Community, Vocation, Recreation and Leisure. 

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Autism Supports & Programs

Our district understands that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need access to a variety of supports and service delivery options to meet their individual needs.  Students with ASD are supported by credential teachers with their authorization in working with students with autism.  Additionally, our support staff includes a Program Specialist, Autism Specialist, and Behavior Specialist that supports our students, families, and teachers. Program options start at the preschool level and continue through to the adult program.  Possible program options include general education with Resource Support, a Special Day Class, Life Skills, or a more specially designed Autism program focusing and utilizing ABA strategies.
 

Adult Transition Program (18-22)

The Bridges to Adulthood Program is a vocational based program for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.  The program focuses on transition planning and preparing students for entrance into the workforce and/or adult day community programs.  Students participate in community-based instruction and receive both vocational training and work experience opportunities.   

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Home Hospital Instruction (HHI)

Home and Hospital serves fall under CA Ed. Code 48206.3.  Students who incur a temporary disability, which makes attendance in the regular day classes or alternative education program impossible or inadvisable for a minimum of three consecutive weeks.  Enrollment in the program is based on a referral from a physician or psychiatrist.  The special education department provides Home Hospital Instruction to students, who meet the eligibility requirements, as outlined by their IEP.