Our Mission

The Division of Special Education’s School and Family Support Services (SFSS) unit is committed to working collaboratively with our LAUSD families, students, colleagues and other partners in education to promote each student’s success and well-being as he/she prepares for future endeavors by providing all partners with the ongoing delivery of the most accurate information, resources, assistance, and guidance regarding special education.

What We Do

If you have questions, concerns, and/or complaints related to special education or specifically about a child’s IEP, we can assist. The Division of Special Education is committed to:

• Providing information to increase understanding and awareness of special education, so parents can better participate in the educational decision-making process for their child
• Promptly responding to inquiries, and helping to mediate and/or resolve concerns related to the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Investigating complaints of alleged special education violations, and facilitating appropriate resolutions in a timely manner
• Listening to parent concerns and providing resources that support informed decision-making
• Offering information about parent engagement opportunities
• Facilitating collaboration between District staff and parents
• Providing answers to IEP related questions
• Assisting with transportation needs as stated on the IEP
• Providing the most current information related to special education

Contact Us

School and Family Support Services
Telephone: (213) 241-6701
FAX: (877) 339-2684
Email: spedsfss@lausd.net
Website: https://achieve.lausd.net/sped
Monday - Friday 7:00 AM-5:00 PM 
Interpreter Services Available

SFSS Brochure February 2021
English,  Spanish,  Armenian,  Chinese,  
Farsi,  Korean,  Russian,  Tagalog 

SFSS Poster February 2021
English,  Spanish,  Armenian,  Chinese,
Farsi,  Korean,  Russian,  Tagalog

The LAUSD Division of Special Education strives to meet the unique educational needs of all exceptional children with each Individualized Education Program (IEP) written; however, disagreements arise occasionally. When disagreements occur, parents have three options to pursue a resolution to the disagreement:

1. Alternate Dispute Resolution
   Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an optional informal process adapted by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and supported by the California Department of Education (CDE) for resolving special education concerns early. The ADR process uses communication, collaboration, and consultation to resolve Individualized Education Program (IEP) disagreements. It is through the ADR process that LAUSD seeks to expedite resolutions to special education concerns after an IEP meeting, in a manner that meets the needs of the student at the earliest opportunity possible.
   ADR BROCHURE _ English and Spanish_6.22  
   
   
2. Informal Dispute Resolution
   Informal Dispute Resolution or “IDR” is an optional dispute resolution process available to parents. IDR is a District process that is designed to be faster, less formal and less adversarial than mediation and due process proceedings. In the IDR process, parents identify their issues and concerns and the District attempts to work with the parent to quickly resolve the issues identified.
   
   
3. Mediation Only
   “Mediation Only” is a state-level, voluntary dispute resolution process under the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). In Mediation Only, a neutral mediator assists you and the District in discussing and attempting to resolve your disagreement. The mediators are not employees of the District and do not have any personal interest in the disagreement. The mediators are selected on an impartial basis by the State and know the laws and regulations relating to the provision of special education and related services. The Mediation Only process includes a mediation conference attended by you, the assigned mediator, and a District representative who has decision-making authority. Lawyers or advocates, for the student/ parent or for the District, are not permitted to participate in Mediation Only.
   
   
4. Formal Due Process Hearing
   Due process hearing requests are dispute resolution proceedings required to be available to parents and school districts under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You or the District may file a due process complaint on any matter relating to a proposal or refusal to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or educational placement of your child or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to your child. The proceedings begin with the submission of a complaint notice and include a resolution period with a mandatory resolution session meeting, optional mediation, and a due process hearing before an impartial hearing officer. The District convenes the resolution session meeting. The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) conducts the optional mediation and the due process hearing. It may not be necessary to go through all of the due process proceedings to reach resolution. A due process complaint may be resolved by mutual agreement of the parties at any stage of the proceedings.

Parent request for a written translation of their child’s IEP.

Parents can make a request for a written translation of the IEP document at the IEP meeting. If the parent has not requested the written translation at the IEP Team Meeting, yet after the meeting decides to request the translation of the IEP document, the parent must make the request in writing to the school site administrator.

School of attendance shall provide a written translated copy of the IEP to the requesting parent within 30 days of the request.

The California Education Code § 56504 ensures parents the right and opportunity to examine all school records of his or her child and to receive copies of these records within five business days after making a request either orally or in writing. 

The Los Angeles Unified School District-Division of Special Education has established a Custodian of Records to receive requests for records and to ensure these records are copied and provided to the individual making the request. 

Information - How to Submit Your Request

All educationally related records requests for students with or suspected of having a disability attending a District Operated School or Charter Operated School are to be mailed, emailed, or faxed to:

Los Angeles Unified School District 
Division of Special Education  
Custodian of Records 
District-Operated Schools and Charter Operated Schools 
Special Education Service Center-Operations 
333 S. Beaudry Ave., 18th Floor 
Los Angeles, CA 90017 
(213) 241-2417 (fax) 

EMAIL 
sesc-operations@lausd.net 

Subject Line: Pupil Records Request  

Records Request Information 

Parent/Guardian Request for Records (English)   FILLABLE FORM 

Parent/Guardian Request for Records (Spanish) FILLABLE FORM 

Roadmap for Social-Emotional Well-Being & Academic Success

The Roadmaps for Social-Emotional Well-Being & Academic Success were designed by educators and mental health professionals to support the return to school following a particularly turbulent time in history. We trust that all parents and all school staff - teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff- will find helpful tools and resources.

The Parent/Caregiver edition gives parents/caregivers tools to support their child’s resilience: sense of safety, connectedness, self-efficacy, community efficacy, ability to be calm and hope.

English

Spanish 

Armenian

Chinese 

Korean

   "Virtual IEP Team Meeting Informational Video for Parents" (English) 

   "Información Para Padres Sobre la Reunión Virtual del Equipo del IEP" (Español) 

Download 
PDF Version

Supported Decision Making  //  Apoyo en la Toma de Decisiones  
Please join LAUSD for the latest information from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities about conservatorship, supported decision making, and to learn tips about independence and self-advocacy. Registration is required.

Por favor, únase a LAUSD para obtener la información más reciente del Consejo Estatal de Discapacidades del Desarrollo sobre la curatela, el apoyo a la toma de decisiones, y para aprender consejos sobre la independencia y capacidad de abogar por sí mismo. Se requiere la inscripción.  

• Conservatorship Reform Bill AB 1663  // • Proyecto de Ley de Reforma de la Curatela AB 1663  
March 29  (29 de marzo), 6:00 - 8:00 pm                            

• Alternatives to Conservatorship & Supported Decision Making //
• Alternativas a la Curatela y Apoyo a la Toma de Decisiones  
April 26 (26 de abril) 6:00 - 8:00 pm      

• Support, Love, & Let Go // •Apoyo, Amor y Dejar ir  
May 31 (31 de mayo)  6:00 - 8:00 pm

Registration Link // Enlace para registrarse >> https://bit.ly/SCDDParentTraining

Supported Decision Making training flyer

Division of Special Education – Live Webinar Series - 2022-2023

The Division of Special Education is excited to offer a series of webinars. The six live webinars will be presented by Division of Special Education Specialists and will be offered throughout the year at different times and days of the week. The presentations will equip our families and school community stakeholders with information about the LAUSD’s Special Education process, resources, making meaningful connections during IEP Team Meetings, and much more!  All families and community members are welcome. 

Translations in the following languages will be available:  English, ASL, Spanish, Armenian, Cantonese, and Korean.

Please refer to the attached flyers learn about our monthly webinar topics, and their dates and times. You may join us by clicking on the login link or scanning the QR code noted on the flyer! No registration needed.   
Zoom link/Enlace: https://lausd.zoom.us/j/84253189472  

English           Spanish         Armenian         Chinese            Korean

Spring 2023:
JANUARY = Parent Partners: Supporting Students with Disabilities at Home
Monday, January 9 (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.) // Wednesday, January 11 (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)

FEBRUARY = The IEP Needs You
Monday, February 6 (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.) // Wednesday, February 8 (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)  

MARCH = Parent's Guide to Understanding Related Services
Monday, March 6 (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.) // Wednesday, March 8 (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)  

APRIL = Effective Collaboration and Communication Between Families and Schools
Monday, April 10 (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.) // Wednesday, April 12 (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)   

División de Educación Especial Seminarios web en vivo 2022-2023

La División de Educación Especial se complace en ofrecer una serie de seminarios web. Los seis seminarios web en vivo serán presentados por especialistas de la División Educación Especial y se ofrecerán durante todo el año en diferentes horas y días de la semana. Las presentaciones proveerán a nuestras familias y a partes interesadas de la comunidad con información sobre el proceso de Educación Especial del LAUSD, recursos, hacer conexiones significativas durante las Reuniones del Equipo del IEP y mucho más.  Todas las familias y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos.  Únase a nosotros y aproveche esta información que es muy importante.

La traducción en los siguientes idiomas estará disponible: inglés, ASL, español, armenio, chino y coreano.

¡Vea las fechas y horarios de cada presentación haciendo clic en el enlace de inicio de sesión o escanee el código QR en cada folleto para unirse a los seminarios de web! No es necesario registrarse.
Zoom link/Enlace: https://lausd.zoom.us/j/84253189472    

inglés        español        armenio        chino        coreano  

Primavera 2023
ENERO: Padres Asociados: Apoyando A Estudiantes Con Discapacidades En El Hogar
Lunes 9 de enero (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.)  //  Miércoles 11 de enero (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)  

FEBRERO: El IEP Lo Necesita
Lunes 6 de febrero (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.)  //  Miércoles 8 de febrero (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)  

MARZO: Guía Para Padres Para Comprender Los Servicios De Educación Especial
Lunes 6 de marzo (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.)  //  Miércoles 8 de marzo (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)    

ABRIL: Colaboración Y Comunicación Efectivas Entre Familias Y Escuelas
Lunes 10 de abril (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.)  //  Miércoles 12 de abril (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)    

The topics for the 2022-23 Parent Workshop Series are based on the results of the Spring 2022 Parent Workshop Interest Survey. Survey results have been compiled and outlined in the linked attachment. // Los temas de la Serie de Talleres para Padres 2022-23 se basan en los resultados de la Encuesta de Interés del Taller para Padres de la Primavera de 2022. Los resultados de la encuesta se han compilado y esbozado en el anexo vinculado.  

 Spring 2022 Parent Workshop Survey Responses 

Alternate Curriculum Parent Workshops // Plan de estudios alternativo para padres  

Join us for an introduction to alternate curriculum and to receive strategies that you can implement to support a successful transition from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school.   //  

Únase a nosotros para una introducción al currículo alternativo y para recibir
estrategias que puede implementar para apoyar una transición exitosa de la escuela
primaria a la secundaria y de la escuela secundaria intermedia a la escuela
preparatoria.

⇒ Registration Here// Registrarse aquí
https://bit.ly/altcurrparentworkshop2022

Introduction to Alternate Curriculum / Introducción al currículo alternativo
January 23, 10:00 - 11:00 am                / enero 23, 10:00 - 11:00 am
January 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm                   / enero 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Building Independence      /  Construyendo independencia
April 17, 10:00 - 11:00 am   /  abril 17, 10:00 - 11:00 am
April 19, 5:00 - 6:00 pm      /  abril 19, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Preparing for the Next School Year / Preparándose para el próximo año escolar
May 15, 10:00 - 11:00 am                   /  mayo 15, 10:00 - 11:00 am
May 17, 5:00 - 6:00 pm                      /  mayo 17, 5:00 - 6:00 pm 

Alternate Curriculum Parent Training flyer English y espanol 

Parent Trainings Presented by Purchin Consulting
The Division of Special Education is hosting two free training opportunities for parents via Zoom.  
• Building Positive Communication Skills: March 23 (6:00-7:30pm) and March 25 (10:00-11:30am) 
• Parent/Professional Collaboration: April 20 (6:00-7:30pm) and April 22 (10:00am-11:30am).  

>> Register here for April 20, 6:00-7:00pm // Registrarse aquí para el 20 de abril 6:00-7:00pm

>> Register here for April 22, 10:00-11:30am // Registrarse aqui para el 22 de abril 10:00-11:30am

Entrenamientos para padres presentados por Purchin Consulting
La División de Educación Especial está organizando dos oportunidades de capacitación gratuitas para padres a través de zoom.
• Desarrollando Habilidades de Comunicación Positiva: 23 de marzo (6:00-7:30pm) y 25 de marzo (10:00-11:30am).
• Colaboración entre padres y profesionales: 20 de abril (6:00-7:30pm) y 22 de abril (10:00am-11:30am).  

Access the Purchin Consulting Parent Training flyer to Register //Acceda al folleto de capacitación para padres de Purchin Consulting para registrarse 

Adult Transition Programs - Parent Training Series // Programas de transición para adultos - series de capacitación para padres
LAUSD Adult Transition Programs is offering a series of trainings for parents and families of students in
grades TK-12 that are using an alternate curriculum as identified by an IEP. Join us for an informational
series that focuses on program offerings, independence, and supporting life-long success.

Los Programas de Transición para Adultos del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles (LAUSD por sus siglas en inglés) ofrecen una serie de capacitaciones para padres y familiares de estudiantes que cursan los grados entre Kínder de Transición (TK por sus siglas en inglés) hasta el 12 y que reciben su instrucción del plan de estudios alternativo establecido por un IEP. Únase a nosotros para una serie informativa que se enfoca en las ofertas de programas, la independencia y el apoyo al éxito de por vida.

 ⇒ Registration Here// Registrarse aquí  
https://bit.ly/22-23AdultTransitionParentSeries

Building Independence Through Adult Transition / Desarrollando independencia a través de la transición adulta
Febuary 13, 10:00 - 11:00 am                    / febrero 13, 10:00 - 11:00 am
February 15, 5:00 - 6:00 pm                       / febrero 15, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Pathways to Lifelong Success / Caminos hacia el Éxito de por Vida
April 25, 10:00 - 11:00 am          / abril 25, 10:00 - 11:00 am
April 26, 5:00 - 6:00 pm             / abril 26, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Adult Transition Workshop flyer 

Join our TK-12 Instruction Team for the following parent workshops:

Fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning // Fundamentos del diseno universal para el aprendizaje
March 8, 9:00 - 10:00 am                                         /
marzo 8, 9:00 - 10:00 am

Power of Play // Poder de juego
May 17, 9:00 - 10:00 am     /   
mayo 17, 9:00 - 10:00 am

Zoom Meeting ID // ID de reunion de zoom
273 236 0934

Instruction Parent Workshop Flyer English y español 

UCLArts & Healing is a community partner. It is an organizational member of the UCLA Integrative Medicine Collaborative, and is supported by the Arts & Healing Initiative. Their mission is to transform lives through creative expression by integrating the innate benefits of the arts with mental health practices for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. View the UCLArts & Healing programs, services and resources including the HOPE (Healing Online for People Everywhere) series programs, by visiting their webpage. 
 UCLArts & Healing Programs Webpage

 UCLArts & Healing Brochure

Created in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, this free, online series supports the resilience of our global community through social emotional arts.

In accordance with our mission, with this series we aim to enhance the innate social-emotional benefits of the arts with supportive practices, such as non-judgmental language and reflection, for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment.

Visit https://uclartsandhealing.org/services/community-services/hope-series/ for more information and to access the online series. 

To access the presentation from the February 2023 parent workshop, click on the link below. 

Para acceder a la presentación del taller para padres del febrero de 2023, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.

The IEP Process Needs You // El proceso del IEP lo necesita

To access the presentation from the January 2023 parent workshop, click on the link below. 

Para acceder a la presentación del taller para padres del enero de 2023, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.

Parent Partners: Supporting Students with Disabilities at Home // Padres como socios: Apoyando a los estudiantes con discapacidades en el Hogar

To access the presentation from the November 2022 parent workshop, click on the link below. 

Para acceder a la presentación del taller para padres del noviembre de 2022, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.

Multi-Tiered System of Support for Students with IEPs / Sistema de Apoyo en Varios Nivelespara los Estudiantes con IEP

To access the presentation from the October 2022 parent workshop, click on the link below. 

Para acceder a la presentación del taller para padres del octubre de 2022, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.

Navigating the IEP: Dispute Resolution and Resolving Disagreements / Cómo Navegar el IEP: Resolución de Disputas y Resolución de Desacuerdos

Dyslexia Parent Training - English:
 https://youtu.be/AVZcA292GK4

Dyslexia Parent Training - Español:
 https://youtu.be/kykbCnJsQW4