Students with Disabilities
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Special Education Department provides specialized educational services across all 13 school districts within Sacramento County to students ranging from birth to 22 years. Approximately 200 dedicated SCOE staff members work tirelessly throughout the county, providing essential support to students and families.
Infant Development Program
The Infant Development Program (IDP) supports children aged birth to three who experience delays in one or more areas of development. The IDP collaborates with families to enhance current strengths and abilities, address challenges, and develop personalized plans to promote their child’s development. Through play and parent education, the program empowers families to recognize teachable moments in everyday routines and activities. Staff members strive to achieve targeted outcomes aligned with developmental milestones and family priorities.
IDP consults with the Sacramento County Quality Child Care Collaborative (QCCC), a partnership of community agencies, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. Childcare providers in the area receive training and resources specifically for students with special needs and behaviors.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Infant Development Program (IDP) provides services to eligible children, from birth through 36 months of age, who have delays in one or more areas of development. Launched county-wide in 1976, this respected SCOE program provides free educational opportunities at home and in the community.
Families have the most important influence on the growth and development of a child. IDP partners with families to build on current strengths and abilities, work on challenges, and create a plan to identify specific opportunities during daily routines to support their child’s development.
Visits with families in their homes and in the community provide the opportunity for IDP staff to get to know them and their child. The staff works with families to recognize their child’s current abilities and identify specific opportunities to support his or her development.
Through play and parent education, IDP helps families discover teachable moments within the context of everyday routines and activities. Staff work to achieve selected outcomes based on family priorities.
Program Referrals
- Request to Refer a Child—complete this form to be contacted about referring an eligible child to the Infant Development Program
Foundations Academy
Through its Foundations Academy, SCOE offers special day class programs for students ranging in age from three to 22 with emotional disabilities, moderate to severe cognitive, physical, or medical disabilities, and autism. The program includes specialized services such as vision, orientation and mobility, speech and language support, and access to school nurses and psychologists. SCOE provides over 30 special day classrooms at more than 20 sites across local school districts. Students receive education in classrooms situated on comprehensive campuses throughout the county, facilitating daily interactions with fellow students on campus.
Additionally, Foundations Academy operates preschool programs in community and district settings, ensuring full inclusion of students with special needs throughout the duration of their school day.
Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School
Students gain valuable skills at Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School through Career Technical Education (CTE) classes in Culinary Arts, Horticulture and Landscape Design, and Northern California Construction Training (NCCT). This program offers comprehensive support tailored to meet the educational, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students. The school provides a variety of services designed to cultivate a positive learning environment. Additionally, the WorkAbility program equips students with comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement, and follow-up. This program supports middle and high school students in special education as they transition from school to work, independent living, and postsecondary education or training.
- Culinary Arts Program—Students in the Culinary Arts Program learn to prepare meals, maintain a clean kitchen, and operate a business. They also serve customers in the Culinary Café.
- Culinary Café Menu—menus are published as they become available
- Urban Oasis Project—Horticulture students learn to build and maintain food gardens. Produce grown by students is also included in many of the dishes served at the Culinary Café
Court and Community School Special Education Services
Special education services are provided to students at SCOE Community Schools programs, as well as at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, the Juvenile Court School program located inside the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility.
