Special Services
Special Education
The Hanford Elementary School District (HESD) provides a wide range of services and programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities who are eligible for Special Education services. Most of these services can be provided for by qualified students at local schools in collaboration with general education programs. However, some services and programs are only available at specified schools throughout the District and may require enrollment at a designated site.
Parents who suspect that their child may be in need of special education services should confer with their child’s teacher regarding their concerns and request a referral to a Student Study Team (SST). If the child continues to exhibit difficulties after exhausting program accommodations and modifications in the regular education program, parents may request an assessment to determine eligibility for special education services.
Qualified staff will conduct an assessment. An Individualized Educational Planning team-including the parents-will meet to review the assessment information, determine eligibility, establish the service that is needed and develop appropriate educational goals and objectives. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is reviewed at least annually.
Health Services
The Hanford Elementary School District (HESD) certificated school nurses function as a part of the school's multi-disciplinary team to bridge the gap between health, wellness and learning. Working with parents, students, school staff and other health professionals, the school nurse provides services for students that promote optimum health for academic success. The school nurse provides the expertise to identify, assess, plan, implement and evaluate the health needs of the school community. This care should often begins with the development of a health care plan. The school nurse is responsible for overseeing medication administration and the performance of health care procedures that are within the scope of nursing practice and are ordered by an appropriately licensed health care provider.
Health services in HESD emphasis the prevention and treatment of health problems and the promotion of student’s well-being and academic success. In order to address potential health problems that are barriers to learning, the school nurse often engages in screening activities. Screening activities may include vision, hearing, postural, body mass index, or other screening. Determination of which screenings should be performed is based on several factors, including legal obligations, the validity of the screening test, the cost-effectiveness of the screening program, and the availability of resources to assure referral and follow-up. Additionally, the school nurse monitors immunizations, assures appropriate exclusion from and re-entry into school, and reports communicable diseases as required by law. The school nurse provides leadership to the school in implementing precautions for blood borne pathogens and other infectious diseases.
Healthy children are successful learners. The school nurse has a multi-faceted role within the school setting, one that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of students and their success in the learning process.
Authorization for Administration of Medication Document
Local Plan
The Kings County SELPA Local Plan consists of federal and state policies that align with federal and state requirements. Below are copies of the current SELPA Local Plan reviewed and approved by the Kings County SELPA Advisory and Governance Council. A copy of the SELPA Local Plan is submitted to the State Superintendent by the Kings County Office of Education on behalf of each district that participates in the Kings County SELPA, as per Education Code 56195.1(c).