Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD) provides a wide range of special education service options to meet the unique needs of individuals with severely handicapping disabilities through Regional Classrooms, which includes the STEPS program. Regional Classrooms are provided free for students living in the County of San Luis Obispo who are ages 3 to 22 years of age. Placement is determined by the IEP team, which considers the students’ needs and makes recommendations for placement/services. These options include:
Early Intervention Preschools
Classrooms Serving Severely Disabled
Classrooms Serving Emotionally Disturbed
We work in collaboration with other North County School Districts to provide the full continuum of special education service options.
STEPS
The overall focus of STEPS centers on striving to improve functional life skills and maximize independence as adult students transition into life beyond public school. The essential program elements are:
Person Centered Practices
Classroom Based Training
Community Based Instruction and Practice
Work Experience
For students participating in STEPS, it is the goal of the program that students will leave with the following outcomes:
Advocate for Self
Employment
Continual Learner
Increased Independence
Financial Responsibility
Independent/Supervised Living
Productive/Contributing Member of Society
Consumer of Generic Community Resources
Increased Community Awareness
Acceptance of Diversity
Fully Participating Family Member
How are students referred?
An adult may be referred to STEPS by parent, legal guardians, professionals, school districts, or agencies such as Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC). A review of records or an educational assessment will be provided to determine qualification. Once qualification has been determined, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting will be held to facilitate the transition into the program as well as to develop appropriate goals and objectives.
For more information, please contact the Special Education Program Coordinator at 805-462-4230.