A photo of Debra Ryan

Debra Ryan

Special Education Director
707-837-7704

A photo of CINDY FLACK.

Cindy Flack

Secretary IV

707-837-7704

Gillian Hornbostel, Special Education Secretary

Gillian Hornbostel

Secretary III

707-837-7733

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS:

Ashley Hansen

Mary Burkhardt

Irene Chang

Alexandra Cowen

Bethany Deniz

Linda Beth Ginsberg

Court Hickman

Annalise Puentes

Angela Somawang

SPECIAL EDUCATION

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Special Education Department is to identify and provide appropriate education to students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment and to enable each student to reach their academic potential while acquiring life skills for the 21st century.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL ED SERVICES?

Special education services are based upon the individual needs of the student through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This plan is developed by a team, including the student, parents, school district professionals, and outside agencies when applicable. Services are delivered in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and are dependent upon the student's individual needs. Each school offers a continuum of supports and services to ensure that every student's needs are met.

To see how IEP services are determined and monitored, click here.

The categories of eligibility for persons newborn through 22 years of age are:

  • Autism

  • Deaf-blindness

  • Deafness

  • Emotional disturbance

  • Hard of hearing

  • Intellectual disabilities

  • Multiple disabilities

  • Orthopedic impairment

  • Other health impairment

  • Specific learning disability

  • Speech or language impairment

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Visual impairment

WHAT DOES LEARNING LOOK LIKE?

The Resource Specialist Program provides support in the general education curriculum. Students require specific accommodations in reading, written language and/or mathematics. The program offers:

  • Support services in the specific content/core areas through the collaborative or consultation models

  • Training in understanding personal learning style

  • Skills training in academics

  • Training in self-advocacy

The Small Group Instruction (Special Day Class) program provides special education core classes that parallel the general education curriculum. Students require modifications in reading, written language and/or mathematics. The program offers:

  • Core classes taught by credentialed special education teachers

  • Training in understanding personal learning style

  • Support services in elective classes through the collaborative model

  • Training in self-advocacy

Windsor Unified School District is part of the Sonoma County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), a collaborative of 40 school districts and local agencies in Sonoma County. Through the District, the local SELPA and our NCC program, we offer a continuum of services for students with special needs. Selpa

Want to see a parent information webinar about our services? Please click here.

To see the latest conversation from our SPED Community Discussion Group click here.

Special Education Services