Special Education Department
The Duarte Unified School District is committed to providing eligible students with exceptional needs a free and appropriate public education consistent with federal and state laws as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). Duarte Unified is dedicated to identifying, locating and assessing all students within the boundary areas of the District from birth to 21 years of age who may have disabilities including those in non-public schools, and providing appropriate support and/or related services to those students determined by an educational evaluation.
The Special Education Department delivers a full range of services such as speech and language services, psychological and counseling services, adapted physical education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, resource specialist support, special day class support and behavioral support (Applied Behavior Analysis). In addition, in cooperation with the California State Department of Rehabilitation, the School District offers excellent "Student Services Program" that, provides valuable skills to propel the students on a path toward an independent and successful future. Duarte Unified also offers preschool programs for learners with special needs.
These services are provided based on the individual needs of the student. After a team, comprised of educational professionals and the parent(s), determines a students’ unique needs and consider a variety of factors, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is created. An IEP is a legal document that describes how the Duarte Unified School District provides services to eligible students. Our team of Special Education professionals work in collaboration with general education teachers, counselors, service providers including our instructional assistants, administrators and parents.
Duarte Unified is a member of the West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area or SELPA. This is a consortium of school districts that serve the common needs of their students. The SELPA members Duarte Unified shares programs and services with are Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte City, El Monte Union High, Garvey, Monrovia, Mountain View, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City and Valle Lindo School Districts.
For more information, about the Duarte Unified Special Education Department, please contact:
Margaret Akinnusi