Special Education
CVCHS received the National Association of Special Education Teachers 2023 Exceptional Charter Schools in Special Education. Selection as a NASET Exceptional Charter School in Special Education is the highest honor a charter school can achieve through the NASET's professional association. The recognition is bestowed on charter schools that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education.
2025 Education Insider recognized Dr. Patrick Gaffney as a Top 10 Award winner for Director of Student Services
TOP 10 DIRECTORS OF STUDENT SERVICES 2025
El Dorado Charter SELPA's Statewide Spotlight School of the year for 2024.
CVCHS's Department of Special Education's mission is to provide comprehensive support to special education students so they can realize their academic, personal, social, emotional and vocational potential through tiered programming and support services . Our goal is a student centered service delivery model allowing them to maximize their academic potential in the Least Restrictive Environment while promoting student independence and success post high school. The department continually assesses our programing celebrating our strengths and identifying and improving areas of need.
The Department of Special Education at CVCHS is committed to identifying and supporting diverse learners, developing their skills to access their education, and fostering their independence toward their post-secondary transition. CVCHS complies with all laws and requirements for an LEA and services all students as outlined in their IEP. CVCHS follows procedural and substantive compliance to ensure a Free and Appropriate Education in the Least Restrictive Environment for students to receive educational benefit.
At present, our CVCHS Special Education programs consist of mild to moderate, typically known as a resource program, and moderate to severe, otherwise known as a Special Day Class program.
- The CVCHS Special Education Mild-Moderate program consists of 7 full-time Special Education teachers. Additionally, we have a part-time Special Education teacher who supports our Special Education teachers with instructional practices and ensures compliance.
- CVCHS Special Education Moderate-Severe program consists of a Special Day Class for Grades 9-12 that focuses on pre-academic and functional life skills and consists of 1 full-time Special Education teacher.
- In addition to our Special Education teachers, the CVCHS Department of Special Education employs nine Para-Educators, a School Psychologist, a school-based mental health provider, and a School Nurse. We are currently in the process of adding a second School Psychologist to our CVCHS team.
- CVCHS Department of Special Education currently contracts out for other related services based on student needs as articulated on their IEP, such as speech therapy services, occupational therapy services, teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, teachers of the visually impaired, and orientation mobility specialists.
Please do not hesitate to reach out for any questions or to schedule a visit.