Special Programs Providing our kids with the proper attention SPECIAL PROGRAMS The Special Programs team provides resources, training, and support for all campuses that service students who are English Language Learners (ELL) and/or receive 504, Homebound, Dyslexia, or Special Education services. Additionally, we provide resources, training, and support for the Response to Intervention (RtI) process and for campuses that service students who receive a specialized remedial curriculum for additional academic support. COMMITMENT The Special Programs team is dedicated to providing every student with the accommodations and modifications they need to succeed at IDEA, in post-secondary programs, and beyond. With innovative and progressive service delivery models, ongoing and specialized professional development, and excellent supervision and support, we are committed to offering not only appropriate educational services, but services of the highest in quality. OUR MISSION The Special Programs team’s mission is to train and support campuses in extending and improving learning opportunities for diverse learners and/or students with disabilities in accordance with state, federal, and local policies and procedures. As a result of these efforts, students are able to participate in a broader number of activities and achieve the highest of expectations. Special Programs collaborates with district and campus staff and parents to develop and implement programs and activities that will meet the needs of all students and ensure that all students receiving special services are fully included in campuses’ instructional and extracurricular programs in accordance with least restrictive environment (LRE). INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM? Click the button below to learn more about job opportunities we have across all of our IDEA campuses in Texas and Southern Louisiana. Campuses in Tampa Bay, Florida coming soon. Jobs At IDEA FAQ How are students identified with special needs provided instruction at IDEA Public Schools? My child was in a behavior unit at the previous district. Will IDEA Public Schools place my child in a similar unit? What if my child is eligible to receive 504 services? Does IDEA Public Schools offer a Life Skills Unit (self-contained) for my child? Will my child be provided the related services as required by his IEP? What type of support is available for my student who is an English Language Learner? TEXAS TRANSITION AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDE Click here to get the Transitioning guide ENGLISH GUIDE GUÍA ESPAÑOL LEGAL FRAMEWORK Click to see the Legal Framework TEA LEGAL FRAMEWORK SPECIAL PROGRAM STAFF Tricia A. Lopez VP of Special Programs Tricia.Lopez@ideapublicschools.org Phone: 956-377-8056 Belinda Garcia Director of Special Program Compliance Belinda.Garcia@ideapublicschools.org Phone: 956-998-9688 STUDENT TRANSITIONAL SERVICES Please reference this link for a Secondary Transition Guide prepared by the TEA: tea.texas.gov This site also has useful transition assistance information: Transition in Texas RESOURCES Texas Education Agency Resources on Special Education Updates in Special Education – Notice to Families (English) Actualizaciones en Educación Especial – Avisos para familias (Español) Delayed or Denied Evaluations & Compensatory Services (English) Evaluaciones Retrasadas o Denegadas Y Servicios Compensatorios (Español) LATEST NEWS EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 43 IDEA Elementary and Middle Schools ranked Best in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report READ MORE » CAREERS Apply Today: IDEA Public Schools 2022-23 Staff Application Is Open! READ MORE » EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children Aged 5-11 READ MORE » IDEA Headquarters 2115 W. Pike Blvd. Weslaco, TX 78596 Main: (956) 377-8000 Fax: (956) 447-3796 View All Regional Headquarters Locations Quicklinks Alumni Annual Report Camp Rio Careers Contact Us Newsroom Staff Links Resources Academic Calendars Blog Campus Locator Diversity, Equity & Inclusion FAQs Farm Parents Connect with us! Stay informed! Get IDEA Emails IDEA’s Anonymous Ethics and Compliance Hotline 833-380-1041 As required by Title IX, IDEA Public Schools does not (and is required not to) discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. This non-discrimination requirement applies to admission to and employment with IDEA Public Schools. Inquiries into issues related to Title IX may be referred to IDEA’s Title IX Coordinator(s) (identified below), to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both. IDEA’s Title IX Coordinator is: Martin Winchester, Chief Human Assets Officer, 2115 W. Pike Blvd., Weslaco, Texas 78596, (956) 377-8000, martin.winchester@ideapublicschools.org. IDEA Public Schools National Board Members: Al Lopez – Chair, Collin Sewell – Vice Chair, Ed Rivera – Treasurer, Ryan Vaughan – Secretary, Reba Cardenas McNair, David Earl, Erich Holmsten, Saam Zarrabi, Xenia Garza, Michael Adams, Gary Lindgren. Board Meetings & Agenda Finance & Budget Health Related Policies CTE Non-Discrimination Statement Accessibility Annual Reporting Anti-Bullying Policy English