Special Education
The San Juan Unified School District is a single-district Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). As such, we write and implement our own local plan and we are responsible for our own policies, procedures, and programs. We serve over 6,000 students in a variety of programs from infancy through age twenty-two.
San Juan Unified provides a rich professional learning environment. We invest in training teachers and building teams of experts. Our approach has been to cultivate experts and implement model programs.
San Juan Unified school principals receive training in special education. In addition, the district employs 10 Program Specialists, three Program Administrators, two Assistant Directors, one Special Education Director and one SELPA Director to coordinate the program. Our district and our staff are truly collaborative.
We offer a combination of educational and related services as determined on an individual basis to meet the unique needs of the student.
School Year Calendars
Parent Resources
37th Annual “You Light the Way Awards”
The San Juan Unified Community Advisory Committee for Special Education invites you to nominate a student, family member, staff member, or community member who has gone above and beyond to support students with disabilities in the San Juan Unified School District. This award recognizes individuals who are truly “Lighting the Way” for our students. Please complete the form below, providing detailed information and examples to showcase the nominee’s positive impact. The information provided will be reviewed by a committee of individuals in order to make our selections for this year.
2025 You Light the Way Nomination Form
Please contact the 2024/2025 CAC Chair Ryan Digman at DigmanAdvocates@gmail.com or call the Special Education Department at 916-971-7525 if you have any questions.
Making a Referral or Request an Assessment
If you want your child to be evaluated for special education services, you must make a referral.
How to Make a Referral
The referral must be in writing and may be made by you or a DOE school official. The referral should:
- Describe the concerns about your child’s development, learning, and/or behavior.
- State that you are requesting a special education evaluation.
- List any services your child has received or is currently receiving.
- Include your child's full legal name and date of birth.
- Include your name, address and a telephone number where you can be reached.
- State your preferred language, if it is not English.
Where to Send the Referral
Preschool-Age Children
Children may be eligible for preschool special education services during the year in which they turn three through the end of the school year in which they turn five.
To refer your preschool-age child, give the referral letter to our Special Education Office at 4825 Kenneth Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608.
School-Age Students in Public School
Mail, fax, or give the written referral to the principal or a staff member in the school.
School-Age Students Enrolled in Private, Religious or Charter Schools, or Not Enrolled in School
Mail, fax or give the referral letter to our Special Education Office at 4825 Kenneth Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608.