NCSOS operates programs for students in preschool through eighth grade and provides some Direct Instructional services to children age 3 to 22, as well as supporting parents with an infant (age 0-3) who have a low incidence disability. If a student has needs that exceed the level of support provided by a the district of residence, a referral to the county may be made by the IEP Team. If the IEP Team determines that services through NCSOS are appropriate, those services will be added to the plan and the new providers will participate in the team meetings.
Adapted Physical Education
Preschool – 8th grade
Adapted Physical Education is for students who require developmental or corrective instruction and who are precluded from participation in the activities of the general physical education program, modified physical education program, or in a specially designed physical education program in a special class. Staff provide services to students enrolled in the NCSOS programs as well as serving district students. NCSOS is the only provider of APE for Preschool-8th. Students in grades 9-12 receive services from the high school district.
Behavior Support
Preschool – 8th grade
NCSOS has several Behavior Specialists who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). They support the classrooms operated by NCSOS as well as Nevada County districts that contract for their services. Our BCBAs have trained and provide on-going support and guidance to our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) who are placed in identified classrooms and provide additional behavior support for targeted students. Prior to a NCSOS program referral and/or to avoid a referral all together, our BCBAs work with referring districts and arrange time to observe students and provide input and suggestions to district staff.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Preschool – 12th grade
This regional program serves children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This program focuses on the development of language, communication, academics, and social development skills. DHH staff can accept referrals to serve all students who reside in Nevada County.
Infant Program
Birth–3 years
The infant program is a county-administered early intervention service operated under California’s Early Start Program. It provides support to families of eligible infants and toddlers to promote development in key areas such as communication, motor skills, social-emotional growth, and cognition. Referrals can be made from different agencies and sources if a child is suspected of having developmental delays or disabilities.
Nursing Services
Preschool – 8th grade
NCSOS has one school nurse who serves only the students attending one of the NCSOS operated classrooms. Our school nurse supports the medical/health needs of our students, primarily focusing on training staff on the medical/health needs of our students, creation and implementation of student health care plans. In addition, our nurse provides daily health support to students, as needed/required.
Occupational Therapy
Preschool – 8th grade
Occupational Therapy instructional services are available when the instruction and services are necessary for the student to benefit educationally from his/her instructional program. Services are based on educational needs, not strictly whether the child would benefit, in some way, from OT. OT is not intended to maximize skill level, but rather to develop as much as possible, the foundations necessary for the child to benefit from his/her individualized educational plan. Staff provide services to students enrolled in the NCSOS programs as well as serving district students in five (5) different districts. Students in grades 9-12 receive services from the high school district.
Orthopedically Impaired
Preschool – 12th grade
This regional program serves children who have severe physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Students often follow a typical core academic curriculum. Our NCSOS OI Specialist works in collaboration with the classroom teacher in order to ensure the student is able to access their educational program. OI staff can accept referrals to serve all students who reside in Nevada County.
Physical Therapy
Preschool–12th grade
Physical therapy in a school setting supports students with disabilities in developing the gross motor, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and postural skills necessary to safely and effectively participate in classroom activities, school routines, and the broader educational environment. School-based PT focuses on functional skills that enhance a student’s access to learning, independence, and participation alongside peers. This is a service that can be referred to the county provider.
Preschool Intervention Program–PIP
Preschool
This county‑operated preschool intervention program provides early learning support and targeted developmental services to help children build foundational skills before transitioning into elementary school. This program is operated and run at the Terence K. McAteer Family Resource Center in Nevada City.
Resource Specialist Program – RSP
8th – 12th grade
NCSOS has one Resource Specialist Program teacher who serves students attending the county’s continuation (EJ) and juvenile detention (Sugarloaf) schools. Students typically are 8-12th grade. Staff collaborate with general education teachers and provide direct and indirect instruction to students who receive specialized academic instruction (SAI) as determined by the IEP team.
Extensive Support Needs
K – 8th grade
These programs serve students who have multiple severe disabilities and/or moderate to severe developmental disabilities and may be medically fragile. Depending on the identified student needs, this program may focus on functional skills in the areas of communication, functional academics, self help, independent living, vocational, and enrichment/recreation. Their instructional program is designed to help students communicate, to achieve maximum independence in daily life skills, to be mobile, and to develop social skills.
Special Day Classrooms
Preschool
Staff focus on pre-academic skills, communication, and behavior. Staff work diligently to assist the children in becoming successful students.
Speech and Language
Preschool – 8th grade
Our Speech-Language Pathologists serve the students attending our NCSOS operated classrooms. Our staff serve students with moderate to severe communication delays and work closely with classroom staff and other service providers to improve a student’s expressive and receptive language. In addition, staff support students in the use of alternative & augmentative communication (AAC).
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
A unique position in NCSOS, our TOSA provides support to all teachers, focusing the majority of efforts with our beginning teachers. Our TOSA provides training and guidance on IEP paperwork, with our beginning teachers. Our TOSA provides training and guidance on IEP paperwork, classroom curriculum, behavior supports, program planning, and much more.
Therapeutic Learning Classroom (TLC)
1st – 8th grade
Students who have identified behavioral health needs that prevent them from being successful in their home school district may be referred to these classrooms. Our Mental Health Therapist and Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provide services and support to the students and are instrumental in working with classroom staff in creating a safe and therapeutic environment where participants can thrive.
Visually Impaired & Orientation and Mobility
Preschool – 12th grade
This regional program serves students who are blind or partially sighted. The program focuses on basic independence, mobility, and academic skills. VI/O&M staff can accept referrals to serve all students who reside in Western Nevada County.
Contact
Our special education administrative office is located at:
400 Hoover Lane
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-0611 x 3001
Last Updated on May 15, 2026 by Dave White