All children are more alike than different. However, when considering the continuum of abilities each student has individual strengths and abilities. For a small percentage of the districts population, there are exceptional students.  Exceptional students exhibit physical attributes and/or learning abilities that are different than many of their typical peers. Some experience difficulties in learning while others manifest superior intelligence.  In either case they require an individually designed program of instruction to help them meet their full potential.

Vision: Every exceptional student will have access to high quality, specially designed programs which will give better access to an inclusive curriculum that ensures college and career preparedness.

Mission: To serve our primary customers – our students - by providing quality support and specially designed instruction to meet their unique needs allowing them to achieve at their highest level.  The purpose of the Exceptional Education department is to provide leadership, advocacy and guidance for informed decision making and for the implementation of highly effective programs for exceptional students.

Core Values

• Integrity: We adhere to moral and ethical principles
• Professionalism: We will provide quality service and maintain high expectations for ourselves as well as our students and teacher.
• Accountability: We comply with all state and federal regulations that guide gifted/talented and special education programs.
• Collaboration: We foster continuous opportunities to work as collaborative partners to achieve successful outcomes for student performance.
• Passion: We believe with all sincerity that ALL children can learn and achieve with effective intervention and high expectation.

Sunnyside Exceptional Education programs are as follows:

Students with disabilities are those children evaluated as having:

• Autistic (A)
• Emotional Disability (ED)
• Developmental Delay (DD)
• Hearing Impairment (HI)
• Other Health Impairments (OHI)
• Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
• Intellectual Disability (MIID, MOID, SID)
• Multiple Disabilities (MD/MDSSI Severe Sensory Impairment)
• Orthopedic Impairment (OI)
• Preschool Moderate Delay (PMD)
• Preschool Severe Delay (PSD)
• Preschool Language/ Speech Delay (PLS)
• Speech/Language Impairment (SLI, PLS)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Visual Impairment (VI)

What should you do if you think your child might have a disability and be in need of special services?

• Referral Process - School (ages 5 - 22)
• Initial Placement
• IEP (Individual Education Plan)
• Extended School Year
• Least Restrictive Environment
• Exiting Special Education
• Parental Rights
• Special Education Board Policy