Program Overview

The Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) operates Special Classes for students with Severe Disabilities (SCSD) at various Merced County Schools

Classes are designed to meet the special education needs of students whose disabilities are severe, including severe mental retardation and multiple disabilities. Students most appropriately served in SCSD classes have limited intellectual functioning (at or below three standard deciations below the mean), adaptive skill deficits, physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions that preclude adequate service in less restrictive settings. The program serves students from five through twenty-one years of age.

SCSD classes are located on regular school sites or in community settings. Placement in specific SCSD classes is based on such factors as age, educational needs, and parental preference. Medical conditions that require specialized equipment and services may preclude placement at specific school sites.

The major goal of the SCSD program is to develop skills needed for independent living to the fullest extent possible for each student.

Eligibility

Determination of a child's eligibility for SCSD is made by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. The team may include a nurse, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, or others, in addition to the child's parent/guardian and teacher. Decisions on eligibility are based on medical, educational, psychological, environmental, and behavioral assessment results.

Services

• Small special classes
• Individualized programs for each student
• Nursing and health services
• Psychological consultation for students

Based on the student's needs, one or more of the following:

• Speech and Language Therapy
• Specialized instruction for the visually or hearing impaired
• Adaptive physical education
• Occupational Therapy
• Transportation
• Practical home living skills
• Community-based instruction
• Job skills training and job placement

Program Goals and Objectives

• Academic Activities
  • Basic reading
  • Basic writing
  • Basic number skills
• Communication
  • Language understanding
  • Speech and sign language
  • Picture exchange communication system
• Domestic Skills
  • Feeding
  • Toileting
  • Dressing
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
• Vocational Skills
  • Personal appearance
  • Communication skills
  • Responsibility
  • Independence
  • Specific job skills
• Community Skills
  • Shopping
  • Use of public transporation
• Physical Development
  • Sensory skills
  • Gross motor skills
  • Fine motor skills
• Leisure Time

Referral

Children can be referred to an SCSD Coordinator by school districts, parents, public service agencies such as Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) and California Children's Service (CCS), and interested medical or other professionals.