Special Education

At Vibrant Minds Charter School, we take a strength-based, whole-child approach to supporting scholars. We care about each scholar’s academic growth, as well as their ability to communicate, build relationships, manage emotions, and succeed in everyday life.

Every scholar learns differently. Sometimes a scholar may need additional support to thrive. When that happens, our team works closely with families to ensure scholars receive the help they need while remaining supported, included, and connected to their school community.

Our Approach to Special Education

Special Education at Vibrant Minds is about support, not labels.

We work as a team with parents, teachers, and specialists to:

  • Identify each scholar’s strengths and needs
  • Provide personalized support
  • Help scholars make meaningful academic and social progress
  • Keep scholars connected to their peers whenever possible

What Is Special Education?

Special Education is not a place. It refers to a range of services and supports designed to help a scholar succeed in school.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Services are individualized to meet each scholar’s unique needs.

Special Education is guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures:

  • A Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
  • Services tailored to a scholar’s individual needs
  • Education provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Inclusion and Learning With Peers

At Vibrant Minds, we believe strongly in inclusive learning environments.

This means:

  • Scholars receive support within the general education classroom whenever possible
  • Scholars learn alongside their peers and remain part of the classroom community
  • Services may be provided outside the classroom only when needed
  • Scholars return to their general education classroom after services are delivered

This approach supports both academic growth and the development of important social and communication skills.

Learning About Accessibility and Inclusion

At Vibrant Minds Charter School, inclusion also means helping scholars understand and respect the diverse experiences of others.

During a school visit, scholars had the opportunity to hear from a superintendent who shared his personal journey living with a physical disability, including what he excelled at, what he needed support with, and how accessibility and understanding shaped his experiences. These conversations help scholars build empathy, awareness, and respect for individual differences.

A conversation about accessibility and inclusion
This video is shared to support learning and awareness around accessibility and inclusion. While the speaker was not a Special Education student, his experience offers valuable perspective on understanding individual needs and differences.

How Do I Know If My Child Qualifies for Special Education?

If a parent or teacher has concerns about a scholar’s learning, communication, or development, the school may recommend an assessment process.

This process includes:

  • Assessments completed by qualified professionals
  • Input from teachers and parents
  • A team discussion to review results and determine eligibility

Under IDEA, a scholar must qualify under one of 13 eligibility categories to receive Special Education services.

Eligibility Categories Include:

  • Autism
  • Deafness
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Blindness
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Speech or Language Impairment
  • Visual Impairment

What Is an IEP?

An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is a legally required document created by the IEP team that outlines how your scholar will be supported at school.

An IEP typically includes:

  • Your scholar’s strengths
  • Areas where your scholar needs support
  • Goals your scholar will work toward
  • Services or therapies provided
  • How progress will be measured

Parents are an essential part of the IEP team and are involved throughout the process.

What Types of Services Might My Scholar Receive?

If your scholar qualifies for Special Education services, supports are selected based on your scholar’s specific needs.

Services may include:

  • Academic support
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Counseling or social-emotional support
  • Other related services needed for growth

FAQ

No. At Vibrant Minds, Special Education does not mean placement in a separate class. Whenever possible, scholars receive services in the general education classroom and remain part of their grade-level community.

Yes. Parents can share concerns with the school and request an evaluation to determine if Special Education services may be appropriate.

No. Special Education can support academics, communication, behavior, social-emotional development, or other areas depending on a child’s needs.

The school may still provide other supports or interventions through general education services.

Yes. A scholar can be both gifted and in need of additional support. We focus on supporting the whole child.

Parents are key partners. Your input is valued throughout assessment, planning, and ongoing support.

If you’d like to learn more about Special Education rights, the IEP process, and ways to support your scholar, the following trusted resources may be helpful:

Vibrant Minds Charter School is part of the El Dorado SELPA, which provides oversight, guidance, and support for Special Education services. Learning more about SELPAs can also help parents understand how services are planned and supported at the school level.

These resources can help parents better understand Special Education services, advocate for their scholar, and feel more confident navigating the process.

If you have any questions regarding our Special Education Program, contact Chammarra Nguyen at cnguyen@vibrantminds.us.

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