Seeking Advice on BUSD Special Education Kindergarten Programs
Hi everyone,
Our family is moving to Berkeley this August from Contra Costa County, and we’re looking for guidance from parents familiar with special education options in BUSD. Our 5-year-old son has severe cerebral palsy, with significant motor and cognitive challenges. He will need a specialized kindergarten class, as he isn’t able to participate in a general education setting.
We’ll be submitting all the necessary paperwork to BUSD, but we would really appreciate any insight from local parents who have been through this process—especially if you have experience with special day classes (SDCs) or other specialized programs within Berkeley schools.
Are there particular elementary schools in the district that are known for strong special education programs or supportive environments for kids with severe disabilities? What should we be asking for in our IEP or when communicating with the district?
Any advice, school recommendations, or personal experiences would be incredibly helpful as we navigate this transition.
Thanks so much in advance!
Yoel Rubin
Parent Replies
Hi I have a rising third grader with CP, wheelchair user, several other disabilities. Feel free to contact me or we can set up a time to chat by phone or in person. Our daughter is at John Muir in a general Ed class with an aide, and she LOVES it. The therapist team is amazing. The school is small, and the community is really special. I also have a friend with a similar kid in special day classes at Malcolm X. I’m sure she’d be happy to share her experience as well. But don’t be afraid of General Ed. Inclusion is pretty awesome :) I was super skeptical, but we are really happy. My daughter took a school bus the last three years… I think that was her favorite part of her day. Ask for a one on one aide and a nurse if you need one. Ask for transportation (don’t accept a van, say you want a regular bus), and make sure you are happy with the time each therapist gives on the IEP. We haven’t had to fight for anything - BUSD has been very accommodating.
Welcome to BUSD. Typically, just about all elementary students are placed in general education settings, regardless of their level of challenge. The only district SDC at the elementary level has been a grade 3-5 classroom at Malcolm X. This coming year, that school will be adding a TK-2 classroom as well. Still, that will be a total of 2 SDC elementary rooms in the entire district. When you have your incoming IEP meeting, you can ask about SDC placement, but just know that as an inclusion district, BUSD places almost all students in general education classrooms.