Kim Taylor

Executive Director, Special Education
Dept. phone: (310) 750-9889
Dept. fax: (310) 373-8511

The special education and pupil personnel services department is a division of Educational Services that is responsible for the leadership, administration, and supervision for Special Education, Section 504, and Health Services.  Our department is passionate about supporting our students to ensure they are receiving the appropriate levels of support to meet their individualized needs in the least restrictive environment.  Our goal is to work in collaboration with parents, the community, and school teams in order to provide the most optimal outcomes for all students.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District proudly provides a continuum of academic instruction and related services for all elementary, intermediate, and high school students in accordance with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). In addition to the various supports provided on our comprehensive campuses we also have the following programs:

Pre-School Special Education Program (Sunrise): 
Early intervention provided through structured educational opportunities is available for preschoolers identified with special needs. Sunrise is focused on early intervention and exposure to peers of the same age. The goal of Sunrise is to work with students to build independent learning skills for their transition into elementary school. Sunrise promotes a successful educational future for the youngest students at our school district.

Elementary - High School Programs

Throughout the district, students will find support in a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment. All the elementary schools provide eligible students services through a learning center model that conducts both push in and pull-out services throughout the school day. Based on a student's unique needs, IEPs are developed to support our learners in the least restrictive environment. Students who require a higher level of intensive supports are invited to attend the special day class located at either Rancho Vista Elementary School or Pt. Vicente Elementary School. The goal of the special day class is to balance intensive instruction with access to peers in both a smaller class setting and a general education classroom. Our teachers and staff work use research-based interventions and curriculum so that students can continue to make progress and meet their individual goals.

Intermediate school includes collaboration classes ( English Language Arts and Math) with support from special education teachers and staff. Students have the opportunity to select electives and support class periods to focus on their goals. Delivery of individual services can be designed within the middle school schedule. Our intensive special day classes are located at Miraleste Intermediate School and Palos Verdes Intermediate School.

High schools provide eligible students support through both collaborative and co-taught classes. Students have a variety of courses and level of support available to them through their IEP. Special Day classes continue at the high school level as well.

Transition Programs (Life Skills and Transition to Independence):
Students earning a certificate of completion are eligible to receive additional support from age 18 –22. This support includes instruction specifically designed to assist students with functional academics, social skills, independent and daily living skills, and job readiness/retention skills as well as a focus on recreation/ leisure and vocational exploration. Our Transition to Independence Program is located at the PV Mall. Our life skills transition program is located at the high school.

Southwest SELPA

All school districts and county school offices are required to form geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. Each region (Special Education Local Plan Area, or SELPA) develops a local plan describing how it will provide special education services. SELPAs also support Community Advisory Committees (CAC). CAC is made up of school administrators, staff members, SELPA parents and members of the community. PVPUSD is part of the Southwest SELPA.

SSW SELPA Local Plan

These laws require that a free and appropriate public education shall be offered in the least restrictive environment to all students identified as disabled. Through the District’s Student Study Team process and other procedures, a continuous effort is made to locate and identify individuals who might qualify for special education services.

The law also provides that parents may initiate a request to have their child assessed to determine eligibility for special education and/or related services.

This request should be in writing and submitted to:
Student Services
375 Via Almar
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Helpful Links
● California Education Code CDE link
● The Southwest SELPA
● California Department of Education, Special Education Division
● CA Department of Developmental Services
● Harbor Regional Center

Child Find	504 Information	Health Services
Parent Resources	SELPA	Referral Process
	Meet Our Staff

Our staff within this division who support our students and their programs include:

• Program Specialists
• Special Education Teachers
• Adaptive Physical Education Teachers
• School Psychologists
• Speech Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Behavior Intervention Team
• Special Education Assistants
• Nurses
• Health Clerks