The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students with special needs. Through the Tahoe-Alpine Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), LTUSD offers a comprehensive range of services and resources to support the unique learning requirements of its diverse student population.
Resources for Parents
Tahoe-Alpine SELPA
The Tahoe-Alpine SELPA is a collaborative effort between LTUSD and other local school districts to ensure high-quality educational programs and services for special needs students. The SELPA offers training for parents and educators, and works closely with county agencies to create nurturing and enriching environments for special needs students and their families.
Special Education Overview
California’s special education system provides specially designed instruction at no cost to parents, catering to the unique needs of children with disabilities. These services are available in various settings, including day-care, preschool, regular classrooms, and the community.
Helpful Resources
LTUSD and the Tahoe-Alpine SELPA have compiled a comprehensive list of resources to support families with special needs children. These include:
- ALTA Regional Center: Provides intake, assessment, advocacy, case management, service support, and funding for special needs services.
- Audiology: Offers diagnostic testing, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and custom hearing protection.
- California Children’s Services (CCS): Provides medical services, including physical and occupational therapy, for physically handicapped children.
- California Parent Organizations: A list of Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) resources provided by the California Department of Education.
- Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD): Supports and therapy for autism-diagnosed children.
- Children’s Choice for Hearing & Talking (CCHAT Center, Sacramento): A listening and spoken language program for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
- El Dorado County Community Hub 5: Offers playgroups, parent support groups, and resources for health insurance, health and child development screenings, and basic needs.
- Sierra Child & Family Services: Provides outpatient mental health clinics, foster family agency, and adoption agency services.
- South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center: Offers bilingual counseling, advocacy, and translations for various issues.
- Special Olympics: Coaching and participation in sports like bowling, basketball, track and field, swimming, bocce, and flag football.
- UC Davis MIND Institute & Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: Resources for advocacy, assistive technology, child development, health, early intervention, and transition.
- WarmLine Family Resource Center: A centralized list of resources for parents with questions about their child’s development, developmental delays, or disability.
Governance and Funding
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures a free appropriate public education for eligible children with disabilities. It governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services.
Funding
IDEA Part C provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth through age 2) with disabilities and their families. IDEA Part B provides special education and related services for children and youth ages 3 through 21.
Contact Information
For more information about LTUSD’s special education services, parents can reach out to the following contacts:
- Carrieanne Honeycutt:
- Phone: (530) 694-2238
- Fax: (530) 694-2379
- Elizabeth Shepherd:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (530) 543-2267 extension 1200
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District is dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their unique needs, has access to a high-quality education and the support they require to thrive. Through the Tahoe-Alpine SELPA and the comprehensive resources available, LTUSD is committed to empowering exceptional learners and fostering their success.
References
- Alpine County Unified School District. (n.d.). Student Services/SELPA. Retrieved from https://www.alpinecoe.k12.ca.us/District/47-Untitled.html
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District. (n.d.). Tahoe-Alpine SELPA. Retrieved from https://www.ltusd.org/district/tahoe_alpine_selpa
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District. (n.d.). Special Education. Retrieved from https://www.ltusd.org/district/departments/health_wellness_services/special_education
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District. (n.d.). Special Education Overview. Retrieved from https://www.ltusd.org/district/tahoe_alpine_selpa/special_education_overview
- Lake Tahoe Unified School District. (n.d.). Special Education Helpful Resources. Retrieved from https://www.ltusd.org/district/tahoe_alpine_selpa/special_education_helpful_resources