Early Intervention
About Early Intervention
Early Intervention Vision:
Our vision is to provide a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where every child is celebrated for who they are. We meet children where they are, using stimulating and collaborative methods to help them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. By building a strong partnership with families and working as a unified team, we ensure a supportive and positive transition to elementary school, setting the stage for a bright and successful future.
Early Intervention Mission:
Compassionately providing individualized intervention by meeting children where they are, through thorough evaluation, a language-rich environment, and a strong parent-home-school connection.
NUSD’s Early Intervention Program is located in the Hamilton area of Novato at 928 C Street and provides special education services for identified students between the ages of three and five years when assessment results show that mild, non-intensive or moderate services are the most appropriate and least restrictive environment to meet their needs.
Our credentialed learning specialists engage our young students in developmentally appropriate learning that is both purposeful and playful. Through implementation of the California Department of Education’s Preschool Learning Foundations, our early learners are provided with child-centered play and fun-filled enrichment activities that support social-emotional development, language, literacy, and mathematics. Through whole group and small group specialized instruction, our students gain the foundational skills that support continued educational success.
The continuum of service options includes: speech therapy, occupational therapy, language lab, specialized academic instruction (2.5 hours per day from two up to four days weekly), or a combination of services. Occupational therapy motor group is provided in each specialized academic classroom weekly to facilitate the development of fine and gross motor skills prior to students’ enrollment in kindergarten.
Phone: 415-493-4606
Email: [email protected]
Spanish support: 415-493-4519 (on-site support Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Early Intervention Referral Process
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Parents, doctors, social workers, and preschools may request a referral for an assessment if they suspect a child may have a disability and need special education services. Please make sure you are communicating with families about the referral. Requests should be made in writing and include the student’s birthdate, as well as a contact email address and phone number. Including specific concerns helps the team determine appropriate next steps.
After a referral is received, someone from the school district will contact you to provide a registration packet. This packet includes NUSD registration, a health and development form, and an intake form. Once all forms are completed, the assessment planning team will review the information to determine next steps.
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The district reviews the referral request and responds in one of the following ways within 15 days, not counting school vacations longer than five days:
- The district develops a proposed assessment plan, or
- The district determines that a special education assessment is not warranted and provides the parent/guardian with prior written notice explaining the reason for the decision.
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Once the district receives signed consent to conduct a special education assessment, it has 60 days to determine eligibility, identify areas of need, and convene an IEP meeting to review the results.
Assessment timelines are paused during school breaks longer than five days. If signed consent is received 30 days or fewer before the end of the school year, the IEP meeting will be held within 30 days of the start of the next school year. Timelines do not apply if a student enrolls in another district or is not made available for assessment.
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Based on a review of student information, the school district will assess the student in all areas of suspected need. If your child attends a general education preschool, the assessment may include an observation at the preschool. The assessor selects appropriate assessment tools and may use a combination of parent input and direct student assessments.
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The initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting will be held within 60 days of the signed consent. Parents/guardians will receive copies of the assessment reports. All reports and information are kept confidential.
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- Eligible: The student is identified as having a disability and qualifies for special education services. An IEP is developed to address the student’s needs.
- Not Eligible: The student is found not eligible for special education services. The team may discuss general education supports and resources.
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The IEP team develops a written plan that includes present levels of performance, annual goals, special education and related services, educational placement, participation with nondisabled peers, participation in statewide testing, progress monitoring, and emergency considerations.
Special education services cannot begin without parent/guardian consent. Once consent is given, the IEP is implemented as soon as possible.
Placement Options: A placement is offered that aligns with the student’s individual needs. A continuum of placement options is available.
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- Contact the office by phone or email to begin the intake process.
- Assistance is available to help complete the intake packet if needed.
- Submit all required paperwork.
- You will be contacted after the intake packet has been reviewed.
Phone: 415-493-4606
Email: [email protected]
Spanish support: 415-493-4519 (on-site support Tuesdays and Thursdays) -