Orchard’s Special Education Individual Education Programs follow the guidelines established by the Santa Clara County Office of Education for the Development of a Specialized Program of Services for students who are identified as students with special needs. Orchard School District adheres to a service delivery model that embodies the Philosophy of Inclusive Education.

The Range of Special Services Covers Students Who Are Ages 3 to 15 Years, From Preschool to 8th Grade. the Individual Education Plan (Iep) is a Written Statement Determined in a Meeting of the Iep Team, Including the Parent, and Developed for Each Child With a Disability. the Iep Will Show a Direct Relationship Between the Present Levels of Performance, Any Assessments, the Student’s Goals and the Educational Services to Be Provided Which Assures a Free and Appropriate Education as Guaranteed Under Federal Law, Idea-97.

Special Education is designed to Meet the Unique, Educational Needs of Children With Disabilities. Children May Receive Special Education Services Under One (or More) of Following Eligibilities: Autism or Autistic-like Behavior, Deaf-blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance (Ed), Hearing Impairment (Hi), Intellectual Disability (Id), Multiple Disabilities (Mh), Orthopedic Impairment (Oi), Other Health Impairment (Ohi), Specific Learning Disability (Sld), Speech or Language Impairment (Sli), Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi), and Visual Impairment (Vi).

For more information on Orchard's Special Education Program, please reach out to Kristina Zeballos: Email Kristina Zeballos 

Please send all special education record requests to Email Clelia Mayorga

Orchard School District is a member of the South East Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). The South East SELPA coordinates with 11 school districts and the Santa Clara County Office of Education to provide a continuum of programs and services for individuals with disabilities from birth through 22 years of age.

The SELPA Community Advisory Committee (CAC) parent group offers support, information, training opportunities, and valuable resources for parents, guardians, and the local community. The South East SELPA office is located at Mt. Pleasant School District.

For more information about the SELPA and the CAC, as well as access to the SELPA Local Plan (including the Annual Budget and Services Plans), public hearing notices, and Executive Council meeting agendas, please visit the South East SELPA website at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District.

In addition, details regarding upcoming and past Superintendent’s Executive Council meetings can be found directly on the SELPA’s Superintendent’s Executive Council page