Special Education in WCCUSD
Supporting Your Child's Learning & Services
Overview
WCCUSD provides special education programs beginning at birth and, in some cases, provides services up to age 22. Children under age five receive special education services at Cameron School. Each child’s special education program is based on his/her needs and is created by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Students with severe disabilities attend the Transition Program after high school until age 22, when they leave with a certificate of completion.
Birth – Preschool
Children under the age of three with developmental, health, learning or developmental disabilities or risks are served at Cameron School in El Cerrito. Preschool children ages 3-5 are also eligible for services. To request an assessment, please call Darlene Almeida, Cameron School Coordinator at (510) 231-1445.
Contacts
- Cameron School, 7140 Gladys Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
- Cameron School Coordinator, Darlene Almeida, (510) 231-1445
- CARE Parent Network, Family Resource Center, (800) 281-3023
- Program Specialist – Cameron, Joyce Forte, (510) 233-1955
K-12 Students
If you would like to observe a special education program in WCCUSD, please contact a Program Specialist (see below for contact information).
If your child does not receive services and you believe s/he has a learning disability, speak with your child’s classroom teacher or principal. Then, you may request that your child’s teacher make a referral to the school’s Student Success Team (SST). If your child is eligible for special education services, the SST will gather information to determine the most appropriate services. After that, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting is held; you are an important member of the IEP team! The goal of the meeting is to determine the best way to educate your child in the least restrictive environment, as close to home as possible. IEPs are reviewed each year or at the request of a parent or teacher.
Contact
- Pupil Services Center, 2465 Dolan Way, San Pablo, CA 94806, (510) 307-4630
- Special Education Director of Elementary Programs, Eric Peterson, (510) 307-4641
- Program Specialists: Elementary Schools, (510) 307-4640
- DeAnza & Hercules Family, Rosalind Brown
- El Cerrito & Kennedy Family, Kira Walsh
- Pinole & Richmond Family, Maria Gomez
- Common Core, Christine Russell
Youth Ages 16 – 22
Transition Program
The Transition Program’s purpose is to help students with disabilities plan for employment and independent living. Students will have a transition plan beginning at age 16, and students with severe disabilities attend the Transition Program at Vista Hills High School after graduation until age 22.
The transition plan is designed by a team that includes the student, parents, school staff, case manager and vocational specialist. It is designed to help each student achieve his/her goals, and plans for how the student will continue to be successful after s/he exits our public school system.
Contact
- Transition Program, 2625 Barnard St., Richmond, CA 94806
- Coordinator & Principal, Transition Program, Ken Talken, (510) 231-1432
- Program Specialists: Secondary Schools, (510) 307-4641
- DeAnza & Hercules, Chavon Pangilinan-Green
- El Cerrito & Kennedy, Donelle Oda
- Pinole & Richmond, Kathy Johnson
How can I get involved?
Participate in your child’s special education experience.
- Attend all IEP meetings and parent conferences
- Speak to your child’s teacher about volunteering
Join the Community Advisory Committee!
Interested parents of regular and special education students can join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC meets monthly, advises the district on special education issues and is made up of parents, teachers and community agency representatives. CAC members review the Local Plan, recommend priorities the Local Plan should address, recruit other parents to review the Local Plan, and assist in parent education and disability awareness.
For more information, including a list of upcoming CAC meetings, please visit WCCUSD’s CAC page or call (510) 307-4630. Meetings include free childcare.