Executive Director of Special Education & Health Services
Support Services
The Department oversees a variety of programs and services for the Bernalillo Public Schools. These programs support academic, social, behavioral, and wellness related skills and opportunities through special education and school counseling services.
What is Special Education?
Special education is specially designed instruction that addresses the unique needs of a student eligible to receive special education services based on federal and state laws. Special education is provided at no cost to parents and includes the related services a student needs to receive her/his individualized educational program.
Special education is not a place, but a service. Special education is governed by numerous processes and procedures designed to provide a student with an individualized educational program so that she/he is able to access the general education curriculum. You do not need to become an expert in all areas of special education to be a good educational advocate for your child. Having a firm understanding of basic special education processes and procedures, however, will help you navigate each step along the way. Please contact the Executive Director of Special Education & Health Services if you would like to know more about eligibility requirements and services.
What Do School Counselors Do?
School counselors help all students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and interpersonal skills, and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce). If you would like to know more about what your child's school counselor does please see the National Association of School Counselors.
What Do School Nurses and Health Assistants Do?
School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, and health assistants who support them, are grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, and are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. National Association of School Nurses.