AGENCY REPORT

Name of Agency/Resource: ___SELPA: Special Education Local Plan Area____________

Address: 17800 Highway 18, Apple Valley CA 92307 Phone Number/Fax/e-mail: Office (760) 242-6333 * Fax (760) 242-5363 Contact person: Ronald J. Powell, Ph.D., Administrator Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Summer hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fees: I could not find anywhere on their website if the initial evaluation cost any fee. However the forms are available for download for free. Type of facility: Special Education

Who the agency is run by: It is run by their board of directors for each county they serve, Gary S. Thomas, Ed.D., is the Chairperson for the desert SELPA board of directors.
Description of services available: "In general, we provide support to Local Education Agencies

(LEAs) in the area of program review and modification to improve the effectiveness of special education programs. The SELPA provides regional staff development programs, clinical counseling services to eligible students with special needs, and facilitate the education of students with learning problems in the general education environment. The SELPA coordinates interagency agreements and transition services, and assures the education of persons with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The SELPA also provides curriculum, fiscal and individual protection supports to participating LEAs."
Qualifications for use of services or clientele serve: Serving schools, teachers, parents, and children. Staffing: Very long list of staff that work within all the departments of SELPA. Staff qualification: "The 2011 Standards for Professional Learning are the construct by which

SELPA professional learning opportunities for 2012-13 are designed. The D/M SELPA seeks to create on-going collaborative relationships with the LEAs in the Desert/Mountain region. It is through collaborative relationships, characterized by facilitation of systems change efforts and on-site coaching, that school improvement will occur."

Philosophy: "Our purpose is to ensure that quality special education programs and services are

available throughout the region to meet the individual needs of special education students."
Any other pertinent information: Their Mission Statement:

"The mission of the Desert/Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is the 'Relentless Pursuit of Whatever Works in the Life of a Child.' It is our belief that every child should live a life of significance. In support of our commitment we will provide a well-trained staff dedicated to: Working in partnership with schools, families and the community Helping all students become successful members of society Encouraging learning as an unlimited life-long process"