Children develop at different rates and in different ways. Differences in development may be related to personality, temperament, and/or experiences. Some children may also have health needs that affect their development.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, and your child is younger than age 3, contact your pediatrician and Tri-Counties Regional Center. Tri-Counties Regional Center may refer you to Early Start. If your child is age 3 or older, and his or her needs are educationally relevant, contact Student Services at your school district. They will gather information, discuss possible interventions, and when needed, screen or test your child. If your child qualifies for special education then he or she will receive specialized services to meet specific needs. Special education and early intervention services are confidential and provided at no cost to the family.
The contact information for these agencies is listed below.
EARLY START
Parents know their children better than anyone. The first three years are very important in a child’s life. If a parent, family member, caregiver, or professional has a concern about a child’s development, it is best to identify the concern as soon as possible. Families whose infants or toddlers have developmental delay or disabilities, or are at risk for developmental delay or disabilities may qualify for developmental monitoring or early intervention services. Regional center staff can evaluate and assess an infant or toddler to determine eligibility for:
Early Start
Prevention Resource and Referral Services
The single point of entry to both programs is the regional center in your local area. All infants and toddlers potentially eligible for a regional center program will be evaluated by the regional center to determine eligibility for services.
Call Tri-Counties Regional Center San Luis Obispo at (805)543-2833 to find out more about Early Start services.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SELPA OFFICE
The Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), per state mandate, provides county wide regional coordination and leadership in special education to insure compliance with state and federal laws relating to students with disabilities. Our SELPA provides an array of services related to special education to local districts, parents and the community. We provide support and information to parents and educators.
Does Your Child Need Special Education Services? Parents are invited to call with questions. For more information, visit www.sloselpa.org or contact SLO County SELPA at 782-7301.
SPECIAL EDUCATION/STUDENT SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION
A complete list of Student Programs and Services for all of the school districts in the county can be found at: http://www.sloselpa.org/mem_districts.htm
Atascadero USD, 4507 Del Rio Rd., Atascadero
(805) 462-4200
Michelle André, Director of Student Intervention Services/Special Education
(805) 462-4232
Cayucos ESD, 301 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos
(805) 995-3694
Jim Brescia, Superintendent
(805) 995-3694
Coast USD, 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Rd., Cambria
(805) 927-3880
Adam Helfand, Director of Special Education
(805) 927-7148
Lucia Mar USD, 227 Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande
(805) 474-3000
Don Dennison, Director of Student Services
(805) 474-3000 x1152
Paso Robles JUSD, 800 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles
(805) 769-1000
Marcia Murphy, Director of Special Education
(805) 769-1000 x30139
Pleasant Valley JUSD, 7000 Ranchita Canyon Rd., San Miguel
(805) 467-3453
Gil Campos, Interim Superintendent
(805) 467-3453
San Luis Coastal USD, 1500 Lizzie St., San Luis Obispo
(805) 549-1200
Jackie Kirk-Martinez, Director of Student Services
(805) 543-1218
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, Hwy 1 & Education Dr., San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-7732
Dave Cementina, Asst. Superintendent, Student Programs and Services
(805) 782-7321
San Miguel JUSD, 1601 L St., San Miguel
(805) 467-3218
Gabriel Luna, Special Education Coordinator
(805) 467-3216 x211
Shandon JUSD, 101 S. First St., Shandon
(805) 238-0777
Judy Bedell, Principal, Special Education Director
(805) 238-1782
Templeton USD, 960 Old County Rd., Templeton
(805) 434-5800
Dee Dee Mello-Wisch, Director of Special Education
(805) 434-5853
TRI-COUNTIES REGIONAL CENTER
Tri-Counties Regional Center provides diagnosis of developmental disabilities and assessment of eligibility for Regional Center services. Once eligibility is determined, a case manager or service coordinator is assigned to help develop a plan for services, tell you where services are available, and help you get the services needed because of a developmental disability. Tri-Counties Regional Center helps plan, access, coordinate and monitor services and supports. There is no charge for the diagnosis and eligibility assessment. Most services and supports are free regardless of age or income.
To view TCRCs support services, please visit the website:
http://www.tri-counties.org/
San Luis Obispo
3450 Broad Street, Suite 111
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-2833
Atascadero
7305 Morro Road, Suite 101
Atascadero
(805) 461-7402
