Special Education Services

Our Approach

At Nea, we believe in the potential of every learner and we are dedicated to each child's journey of self-discovery. Our small school environment and innovative educational model nurtures children with disabilities as full members of the Nea community.

• All learners with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of the general education curriculum.
  

• For all learners, services that remediate academic challenges are incorporated into the general education program.

• Accommodations and modifications are re-evaluated and revised as learners grow and change.
  

• For each learner, we strive to find the delicate balance between providing support and fostering independence.
  

• All learners, with and without disabilities, are expected to participate in leadership roles in the community.

• Referrals for assessment for special education services can be generated by facilitators, Student Study Teams, and parents.

• We are committed to a team approach with learners, parents, and staff.

• Nea employs 21st-century educational methods and technology to provide more varied learning opportunities.
  • Educational technologies include online learning, computer-assisted learning, and independent learning programs.

Our Services

• Specialized Academic Instruction is provided by Education Specialists and Paraprofessionals.
  • In-seminar support is our general approach and may include differentiated learning approaches, instructional cues, environmental accommodations, adjusted difficulty levels or schedules, and more.
    • Grades K-2: We provide in-seminar and individual/small group support tailored to each learner.
    • Grades 3-5: We provide in-seminar support for most learners, but some also receive individual/small group support as needed.
    • Grades 6-12: We provide primarily in-seminar support and learners are scheduled to work in the Resource Room when support in a quiet work area is needed, or for test-taking as needed.
      
  • Classroom facilitators are well-versed in learners' modification and accommodation needs.

• Psychological Services include assessment, behavioral planning, consultation, and sessions with some learners.  Many, but not all, of these services are IEP driven.

• Speech and Language Services include screening, assessment, and small group instruction as well as "push-in" support in the classrooms.
  

• Occupational Therapy (OT) Services include screening, assessment, and direct service or consultations for those learners with OT needs identified in their IEP.

• Nea collaborates with the El Dorado County Charter SELPA.

Inquiring about Special Education services

If you have questions about Nea's special education program or feel an evaluation for special education services is appropriate for your child, please contact Annahita Rad, Interim Special Education Director.

Should the team determine that an evaluation is appropriate the process can take approximately two months.

Below is a directory of our Special Education Team:

Annahita Rad, Interim Special Education Director

Courtenay Bell-Gimelli, Special Education Manager

Mindy Rogers, Education Specialist (K-5)

Pei-Wun Malevich, Education Specialist (6-8)

Daniel Lovejoy, Education Specialist (9-12)

Eric Bates II, Paraprofessional

Roxanna Chung, Paraprofessional

Kristian Hernandez, Paraprofessional

Jeff Mercado, Paraprofessional