The Heritage Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) Special Education programs provide a full range of services designed to meet the needs of severely handicapped students from infancy through age 22. Programs emphasize the integration of students with age- appropriate peers, placement in the least restrictive environment, a comprehensive curriculum for the severely handicapped, and programs to support transition. Leadership and support exist to ensure the quality of all students’ instructional programs as well as having facilities that are appropriate and maintained in a safe condition. This special education curriculum for severely handicapped students is based on the core areas identified in the California State Department of Education curriculum frameworks.
The Intensive program serves students in grades 9-12 in a special day class. The program assists students with autism, autistic-like behaviors and intensive behaviors to manage academic, social and functional demands through a variety of approaches within a structured environment. As appropriate, staff provides opportunities for integration with age-appropriate peers, community outings to practice social skills and modifications for academic programming.
The Early Start program is part of the CCCOE and serves infants and toddlers through a home - based and a classroom program. Children, age birth to three, who have vision, hearing, orthopedic problems or other developmental disabilities are the targeted population. The team, consisting of a teacher, speech or occupational therapist, and specialists in vision and hearing assist the family in providing assessments and developing an Individual Family Service Plan.