Special Education Home
TCUSD Special Education
Vision/Mission:
At TCUSD, the Special Education Department supports the district’s vision by ensuring that students with disabilities are identified early, provided equitable access to learning, and included meaningfully in their educational environments. The department works collaboratively with students, families, and school staff to help learners succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in settings that reflect the least restrictive environment appropriate to each child’s needs. Special education services are individualized and delivered with a focus on strengths, access, and participation in school life.
Temple City Unified provides special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students from age 3 through 22 who are found eligible based on disability that affects educational performance. These services are free and designed to support developmental and academic success.
TCUSD offers a range of special education programs to meet the varied needs of students:
- Specialized Academic Instruction & IEP services – Tailored instructional supports and accommodations integrated with general education learning.
- Visually Impaired (VI) Program – Services for students with visual impairments to support access to curriculum (as part of SELPA supports).
- We Can Work Program – A transition-to-work program preparing students for employment and adult life.
- Adult Transition Program (ATP) – For ages 18–22, focusing on independent living, vocational skills, community participation, and social skills.
All programs are designed to be responsive to individual IEP goals and aligned with inclusion and access to meaningful educational opportunities.
Child Find
TCUSD participates in Child Find, a federally required effort to identify, locate, and evaluate children with suspected disabilities from birth through 22 years old, including those attending private schools within the district boundaries. Families, caregivers, educators, or community members can refer a child if they suspect a disability. Once referred, the district coordinates assessments to determine if the child meets eligibility criteria for special education services under IDEA.