Special Education
Special Education in Jeffco
Special Education in Jeffco shapes a future where every student can succeed, learn and grow. In the heart of our community, the Special Education department is a cornerstone, ensuring that students with disabilities are supported on their journey to reach their full potential.
Our Special Education department, part of the Student Success division, supports students, teachers and families across the district.
We believe that providing a strong range of support and resources helps students succeed in their neighborhood schools. We focus on meaningful involvement from all stakeholders, leading to better outcomes and positive experiences for students.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
We follow Section 504 to ensure students with disabilities receive the accommodations they need to participate fully in education, without discrimination.
Who qualifies for Special Education?
A student qualifies for Special Education if they have a documented disability that affects their ability to access and benefit from the general education curriculum without extra support. This support is provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Special Education Services (Grades K-12)
Our services support students in developing skills and behaviors to access learning. These services are personalized and may include:
- Direct instruction
- Co-teaching
- Consultation
- Materials modification as identified on the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Where to Begin
If you believe your child may need special education services, your first step is to connect with your child's school. Talk to a teacher, counselor or administrator about your concerns. The school will work with you to evaluate your child and determine if an IEP or Section 504 Plan is needed.
Special Education Services and Programs
Special education programs and services are essential to ensure that students with disabilities receive the individualized support they need to access education, develop skills, and reach their full potential. These programs provide tailored instruction, accommodations, and resources that further help students overcome challenges and succeed in both academic and social settings.
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted physical education (PE) provides a modified PE program for students with motor developmental delays to support physical growth and participation.
BrainSTEPS
The BrainSTEPS team is a multidisciplinary team within Jeffco Public Schools that offers specialized support for students recovering from brain injuries to assist with their educational transition.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Deaf and hard of hearing programming serves students with hearing loss who require intensive support, including audiology, speech therapy and mental health services.
Special Education Schools & Programs
Jeffco Public Schools offers a variety of special education schools and programs designed to support diverse student needs. This includes Affective Needs (AN), Autism (ASD) and Significant Support Needs (SSN) programs.
Visual Impairments (VI) and Blindness Services
Visual services include screenings and evaluations to identify vision impairments and provide recommendations, accommodations, and support to ensure students can fully engage in academic activities.
Transition Services
Transition planning is a vital component of the IEP process for students, starting at 15 years of age. Jeffco offers a variety of transition services including the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) and Jeffco Transition Services (JTS).
Jeffco Transition Services (JTS)
Jeffco Transition Services (JTS) is a school serving students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) between the ages of 18 to 21.
School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP)
The School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) assists young adults with disabilities in making the transition from school to employment.
Special Education News
More than twenty Jeffco middle and high schools with an SSN (Significant Support Needs) program participated in the Adapted Athletics Hockey Day at Bear Creek High School. The mission of Adapted Athletics is to provide Jeffco students with unique needs the same opportunities as other students to enjoy the benefits of a quality middle school or high school sports program; becoming active members in society who lead healthy lifestyles.
Unified Bowling has grown by leaps and bounds this school year. Unified Bowling was launched as a CHSAA sanctioned sport just before COVID hit in 2020. That hurdle has taken a few years to really grow participating schools. This year, Jeffco has nine schools participating.
Students with autism at one Jeffco elementary school get a cool ride, thanks to a community effort. Jeffco Public Schools Multimedia Journalist Jack Maher reports.
Students in Jeffco's School to Work Alliance Program investigate careers that are anything but the usual 9 to 5. Jeffco Public Schools Multimedia Journalist Jack Maher explains.
An Introduction to the School to Work Alliance Program
Some Jeffco high school students and grads experience a learning expedition that could help point them towards a new career. Jeffco Public Schools Multimedia Journalist Jack Maher reports.
Contact Us
Special Education
Special Education Community Support Line: 303-982-6682
Child Find Intake: 303-982-7247
Records Request: spedrecords@jeffco.k12.co.us