Special Education

The Cloud Forest School’s special education program offers our students with special needs a unique opportunity to receive the individualized support that they need. Currently the school employs 2 special educators. Steve Gagliardone and Thelma Valencia work with 20 students with a wide range of disabilities.

Our special educators work closely with classroom teachers to develop a support plan that meets the needs of each child. They create individualized education plans which are used as a guide for developing instruction and measuring progress. Students receive support in reading, writing, mathematics, and vocational training in both Spanish and English. Steve and Thelma work with students in their classrooms or in a separate location free from disruption. Both teachers have small classrooms of their own where they can meet with students individually or in small groups. As students with more severe special needs are getting older we are developing plans that will help them transition successfully out of school and into the community. For example one of our high school students spends around ten hours a week working in the community and developing entry level job skills. Another high school students has a very individualized academic program that focuses on developing independent living skills.