Special Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) defines special education as, "Specially designed instruction, provided at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability."
Huntington Beach City School District's mission is to develop and provide quality instructional programs to students with disabilities. It is our goal for all students to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally.
Huntington Beach City School District is part of a five district Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). The West Orange County Consortium for Special Education (WOCCSE) includes:
- Ocean View School District
- Fountain Valley School District
- Westminster School District
- Huntington Beach City School District
- Huntington Beach Union High School District
These five districts have joined together to provide special education programs and services to students with special needs.
The purpose of the Local Plan is to:
- Outline the special education policies/procedures and services that are offered throughout the SELPA.
- To assure access to special education and related services for all individuals with exceptional needs residing within the geographic areas served by the plan.
- To assure compliance with all Federal and State codes and statutes.
West Orange County Consortium for Special Education (WOCCSE)
(714) 903-7000
5832 Bolsa Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Orange County Department of Education (OCDE)
(714) 966-4000
200 Kalmus Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
California Department of Education (CDE)
(800) 926-0648
1430 North Street, Suite 2401
Sacramento, CA 94814
Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC)
(714) 796-5100
1525 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Today, parents are more involved in their children's education than ever before. As a parent, you have expert knowledge of your child. Team up with your child's teacher and school staff and make them your equal partners in the educational process. Build and nurture these relationships early.
You play an important role in the education of your child. Make your views known in a positive and constructive manner. The planning, implementation and on-going support of programs are greatly enhanced when you are an involved parent.
Visit the classroom to show your interest in your child's program. Keep the teacher informed of your child's skills and behaviors. Attend scheduled teacher conferences; if you unable to keep designated appointments, notify staff as soon as possible. Attend PTA, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings, and other school functions whenever possible.
This handbook was compiled to help you understand the special education process. Many of the contributors are parents of children with special needs. It is our hope that it will help you to be an active participant in meeting your child's educational needs.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is an informal and effective way to resolve differences in a positive manner. It is a problem-solving process rather than an adversarial process, and it allows parties to communicate directly with each other to create a mutually agreeable solution. ADR encourages all parties to keep the child's educational needs first and foremost and to maintain positive working relationships between administrators, site staff, and parents. The goal is to help parents and district staff resolve conflicts early, so they can stay focused on meeting the educational needs of the child.
WOCCSE offers parents and district staff in West Orange County schools professional facilitators trained in ADR. WOCCSE facilitators are available to help with any special education issue or concern. You can contact a WOCCSE facilitator and request an informal meeting, a confidential ADR session, or just ask for advice by phone.
To start the process, contact your district's special education director OR to speak to a WOCCSE facilitator, contact: Jimmy Templin, Executive Director (714) 903-7000 ext. 504602.
