California Education Code (section 56031) defines special education as:

Specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of Individuals With Exceptional Needs (IWENs), whose educational needs cannot be met with modification of the general instruction program; and

Related services, which are needed to assist IWENS benefit from specially designed instruction. Special education is an integral part of the total public education system. Other features of special education are:

• That services be provided in a way that promotes maximum interaction between students with and without disabilities in a manner which is appropriate to the needs of both.
• That services are provided at no cost to parents.
• Special education provides a full range of program options to meet the educational and service requirements of individuals with exceptional needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE). 

The Special Education Department (805-383-1924) provides a vital service in Ventura County by serving students from all school districts within Ventura County. Special education students who participate in VCOE programs range in age from 3 through 22.

VCOE provides necessary specially designed instruction and services as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for our special education students:

• Special Day Classes for students with Extensive Support Needs.
• Phoenix Special Day Class program for students with emotional disturbances
• Resource specialist services for Court Schools and Gateway Community Schools
• Support Services offered through VCOE Special Education Department include: Behavioral Specialists, Mental Health Clinicians and Specialists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Paraeducators, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Spanish Interpreter, Speech Therapists, Transportation, and Vision and Hearing Specialists
• Additional services provided as needed from home district or Ventura County SELPA include: Adaptive PE, Behavior Specialist, and Orientation & Mobility Services to small school district in Ventura County