This day honors the progress and achievements of students with disabilities and highlights the work being done to ensure each child’s success. MPUSD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can grow, thrive, and succeed.
MPUSD’s Special Education Department provides a wide range of services to students with disabilities from birth through 22 years of age. Through specialized academic instruction, MPUSD supports students in meeting their unique educational and developmental goals.
December 2 is recognized as National Special Education Day because it coincides with the same day the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law in 1975.
This commitment includes services and programs such as:
- Infant/toddler and preschool special education programs that provide early support.
- Resource specialist teachers at each district school, offering focused academic guidance.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy to support students in accessing their educational programs through reducing barriers resulting from fine and gross motor differences.
- Adapted Physical Education to support students in participating in building the skills necessary to demonstrate mastery of physical education standards.
- Services for Blind students or students who are visually impaired to support in building the skills needed to access educational environments and curriculum.
- Specialized academic instruction in self-contained classrooms tailored to meet a variety of needs:
- STEPS (Specialized Training Education Program for Students), focusing on life skills curriculum standards for students ages 3 to 22.
- KEY (Knowledge Empowers Youth) program, which provides a therapeutic setting with embedded mental health supports, from kindergarten through high school.
- LEAP (Language Enriched Academic Program) specializes in providing support for autistic students or those who require intensive language scaffolding and support from preschool through 12th grade.
National Special Education Day is an opportunity to celebrate students' accomplishments, the dedication of our educators, and the resources that empower students to reach their full potential. At MPUSD, we are honored to support our diverse learners and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
For those interested in observing a special education setting, MPUSD has a dedicated observation policy available here.
Let’s work together to ensure that all students receive the support and resources they deserve.