Special Education

Screening Process

As students enter school, all must undergo an initial screening designed to identify any major areas of concern. These areas may include vision, hearing, speech, academics and/or behavior. As students progress through school, parents may request that staff members help solve behavioral problems.

The individual needs of all exceptional students are met through the process of identification, evaluation, placement, and the provision of needed and required programs and related services. All parents and students are provided procedural safeguards, due process, confidentiality, and the right to a free and appropriate education.

Special Education Opportunities at Desert Shadows

At DSES, we house a special needs preschool as well as several self contained Communication Disorder classrooms for students enrolled in kindergarten through 6th grades. In addition, we have a certified team supporting all the programs needed for students that qualify: speech pathologists, OT, PT, reading, math, and resource specialists as well as a psychologist on staff. We also have a SUN (Serving Unique Needs) Kids preschool program which is a dedicated, inclusive Preschool program that focuses on child-directed, rather than teacher-directed, activities that help students grow and develop alongside their peers.

From preschool through high school, PVSchools Special Education services are available in primary content areas like reading, written language, and mathematics.

Based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), students may be eligible to receive related services such as speech-language, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. All students identified for special education services are expected to meet the same standards as their peers with allowable accommodations, modifications, and supports.