Special Education Program

Services are based on student’s need (as determined by the IEP team):

• Specialized Academic Instruction
• Speech / Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Adapted Physical Education
• Mental Health Counseling
• Behavior / Psychological Services
• Career & College Awareness Services (for transition-aged students)
• Orientation & Mobility Services
• And more!

KIPP Northern California staff has a responsibility to identify children who may have special needs and/or a suspected disability, and refer them for assessments. General education accommodations or supports are suggested by the Student Study Team (comprised of the child’s parent(s), teachers, school administrator, and other appropriate school staff familiar with the child.) A referral for special education assessment to determine eligibility for special education services could be the next step.

The assessment of your child is a thorough process conducted by a team of specialists that will tell how your child is doing in all areas of the suspected disabilities.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the process that helps create an individualized plan that outlines the needs, services and support for a student. At least once a year your student’s case manager will contact you to set up an IEP meeting to review progress and develop new goals and objectives.

We encourage parents to be full, active and informed participants in the IEP process. Special education is like a foreign language that you will soon learn and speak fluently. But in the beginning, the process may feel daunting and confusing.

Our high expectations and high levels of support will lead to the most beneficial educational and broader real-world outcomes for our students. 

Yes! All KIPP schools are public schools, meaning we follow all federal guidelines that require schools to adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. All enrolled students are entitled to a “Free and Appropriate Public Education” (also known as FAPE).

We proudly recognize the unique needs of each student and design specialized programs that enable every student to fully participate in their school community and the world at large. 

We are required and proud to meet the need of all enrolled students. Our special education team will work together with school staff and you as caregivers to create a program specific to your student’s needs. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out directly to your school to be connected to the Program Specialist or Education Specialist.

We provide a continuum of supports and placement options that are designed by the individualized education plan (IEP) team to serve your child’s unique needs related to their disability. We have developed a number of programs at our schools that serve as a placement option for students who meet eligibility criteria, such as a Specialized Teaching Program (STP) specifically developed to support students with moderate to severe disabilities.

Yes! As public schools, we provide the accommodations and related services necessary to support students across one or more of the 13 disability categories recognized within the California Code of Regulations. Beyond that, we are excited to be able to work with parents/guardians and families to ensure that your child has what they need to be successful at KIPP.

If your student demonstrates a need for additional support, you can talk to your school team to learn more about what ways that support can be provided. If your student already has an IEP, you have the right to request an IEP meeting in order to talk more about whether paraeducator support may be appropriate for your child. This decision is made with the entire IEP team, and may require additional assessments in order to make the most appropriate decision for your student’s needs.

KIPP staff are responsible for identifying children who may have special needs. If your child is not in special education, but you suspect there might be a disability, you should make an appointment with your student’s teacher to discuss your concerns. As a result of this discussion, your child may be referred to a range of school-based supports such as office hours, tutoring, student study team, 504 coordinator, or the special education department.

If your child has an IEP, your first contact should be your student’s case manager. If your child does not have an IEP, you can talk to your child’s teacher to ask any questions or share any concerns you have.