Departments

Special education is the practice of educating students with special needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needed support. All special-needs students receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines how our schools will meet each student’s individual needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with special needs be provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment that is appropriate to each student's needs. This includes early intervention services for infants and toddlers, pre-school for students starting at age three, services for school age children in grades K-12, and transition services for eligible students up to age 22.

Those of us in the field of Special Education are very passionate and committed to supporting our special-needs students and their families. Our special education teachers are well trained in instructional practices and strategies to support students with access to curriculum and efforts to realize their goals. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our department. We are happy to help you in any way we can.

Contact Information

Valerie Shedd
Assistant Superintendent
Office of Special Education/Student Services
714-663-6233
vshedd@ggusd.us

Heather McCance
Administrative Secretary
Office of Special Education
714-663-6233
hmccance@ggusd.us

Erin Lara
Director
Office of Special Education
714-663-6233
elara@ggusd.us

Jim Carter
Assistant Director
Office of Special Education
714-663-6233
jicarter@ggusd.us

Lilia Sanchez
Clerical Specialist – Special Education Records Requests
Office of Special Education
714-663-6191
lsanchez@ggusd.us