Exceptional Student Services

Yuma School District One Exceptional Student Services provides services for students between the ages of 3 and 14 with special needs. All students with disabilities categorically eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), regardless of severity, may receive services. These include students with impairments in speech and language, hearing, health, and vision; developmental delays; emotional and learning disabilities; intellectual disabilities; autism; traumatic brain injury; multiple disabilities; and other health impairments. For more information, contact the Exceptional Student Services office at 928-502-7800.

Services Provided

We offer services across the continuum from full inclusion in the general education classroom, to off-campus alternative setting, to homebound services. A team of individuals familiar with the student’s needs determines the least restrictive environment (LRE) for eligible students. Recognizing the goal to provide an integrated, inclusive learning community, we make best efforts to place students in their home school. If placement in the home school does not meet the needs of the student, we will provide transportation to the service school.

Specialists

Approximately 50 special education teachers and paraprofessionals provide service to our Exceptional Students. Specialists include our school psychologists and assistants, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. We also provided extended school year services when deemed appropriate.

Preschool

We offer preschool classes for eligible students from their third birthday to age five (prior to kindergarten). We determine eligibility based on a child’s developmental level by measuring for significant speech or language delays, moderate developmental delays, or severe developmental delays. Learn more on our Preschool page.

Technology

Technology is important for students with special needs. We utilize iPads and computers to help students develop skills and to access our district’s digital content. Additionally, some students utilize highly specialized equipment for communication and literacy acquisition.

Independent Living Skills

We equip some of our classrooms with cooking and laundry facilities to help our students who need to learn basic independent living skills.

Meet Our Exceptional Staff

Mary Elizabeth Post Complex
400 W. 5th Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364
Phone: 928-502-7800 | Fax: 928-502-7818

If requesting IEP records or have questions regarding an IEP, please contact your Compliance Tech from the list below:

Destruction of Records

Special Education records are destroyed five (5) years after a student has withdrawn, transferred, graduated, or been exited from special education services at Yuma School District One. This year, we will be destroying the records of students who left the district or exited services in the 2019–2020 school year. All other records will continue to be maintained by the Exceptional Student Services department and are available upon request to a child’s legal guardian. If you are a parent or student and need a copy of your student’s special education records for any reason, please contact Catherine Dort in the Special Education department.