Special Beginnings operates classrooms designed to serve young children with diagnoses of autism. One is operated jointly with Redwood Coast Regional Center under the Early Start program (see above); the others serve preschool-age children. All SDC’s are located on regular elementary school campuses to facilitate inclusion with typically developing children and to develop familiarity with the sights, sounds and routines of a regular school environment.

Parents are an integral part of on-going assessment and curriculum planning. Non-school providers are welcomed into to the classrooms to observe and meet with staff to ensure that students’ educational experiences transfer to other environments, and strategies and expectations are coordinated and consistent.

HCOE has three special education teachers dedicated to serving children under age three: two are itinerant and visit children in homes and other community settings, and one teaches a self-contained class for children recently diagnosed with autism. We pride ourselves on our dedication to working closely with other community agencies and providers, and supporting parents as they learn about their “special” child so the best possible outcomes can be attained. Every eligible child has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with appropriate goals based on assessment.