School-Based Services
Navigating the complexities of California’s educational mandates requires more than just filling a vacancy; it requires a partner who understands the high stakes of compliance and student outcomes. DES provides highly vetted clinicians who are experts in the educational model of service delivery. From managing intensive IEP caseloads to ensuring defensible documentation, we provide the stability and clinical expertise necessary to help your district’s most vulnerable learners thrive in their least restrictive environments.
DIS counselors provide school-based counseling that helps students build coping skills, improve behavior, and participate more successfully in school.
Our counseling providers deliver IEP-based individual and group sessions that target realistic, school-focused goals. They support students who are coping with anxiety, behavioral challenges, peer issues, and adjustment difficulties, and they collaborate closely with families and school teams.
For schools, DES counselors are reliable members of the IEP team who document progress and communicate clearly with staff. For parents, they are partners who help students learn concrete skills they can use in class and at home.
- Individual and group counseling aligned with IEP goals
- Practical, skill-based interventions (coping, problem solving, social skills)
- Regular progress updates in family-friendly language
- Coordination with school psychologists, teachers, and administrators
Why Schools/Districts Choose Us
Devoted Educational Solutions partners with public and charter schools to fill critical special education roles and keep services running smoothly for students and families. As a California nonpublic agency, we provide highly trained clinicians and support staff who integrate into your existing teams, help you meet IEP obligations, and deliver child-centered, culturally responsive services when in-house capacity is limited.
Our providers work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, and parents to design and deliver services that are legally defensible, data-driven, and focused on real progress in the classroom.
- Flexible staffing solutions during vacancies, leaves, or growth
- Multidisciplinary support across speech, OT, psychology, counseling, behavior, nursing, and APE
- Strong communication, thorough documentation, and IEP participation you can trust
Our school psychologists provide comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, consultation, and counseling that help teams understand why a student is struggling and what supports will make a difference.
DES school psychologists complete legally defensible evaluations that integrate cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral data. They help IEP teams make clear, data-based decisions about eligibility, services, and placement, while staying aligned with IDEA and California Education Code.
For administrators, this means timely assessments, clear reports, and strong participation in IEP meetings. For parents, it means understandable explanations and practical recommendations that honor each child’s strengths and cultural background.
- Initial and triennial psychoeducational evaluations
- Social–emotional and behavioral assessments with practical recommendations
- IEP team participation and consultation with teachers and related service providers
- Short-term counseling and progress monitoring when included in the IEP
DIS counselors provide school-based counseling that helps students build coping skills, improve behavior, and participate more successfully in school.
Our counseling providers deliver IEP-based individual and group sessions that target realistic, school-focused goals. They support students who are coping with anxiety, behavioral challenges, peer issues, and adjustment difficulties, and they collaborate closely with families and school teams.
For schools, DES counselors are reliable members of the IEP team who document progress and communicate clearly with staff. For parents, they are partners who help students learn concrete skills they can use in class and at home.
- Individual and group counseling aligned with IEP goals
- Practical, skill-based interventions (coping, problem solving, social skills)
- Regular progress updates in family-friendly language
- Coordination with school psychologists, teachers, and administrators
Our speech-language pathologists and SLPAs help students improve communication so they can participate fully in the classroom, with services delivered on campus or virtually based on district preference.
DES speech providers address articulation, language, fluency, and social communication needs through engaging, goal-oriented sessions. SLPs lead assessment and treatment planning, while SLPAs provide high-quality therapy under SLP supervision, following state supervision standards
Administrators can expect consistent scheduling, strong documentation, and IEP-ready reports. Parents see progress that connects directly to classroom performance and social success.
- Initial and triennial speech and language evaluations
- Individual and small-group therapy aligned with IEP goals
- Collaboration with teachers to support classroom carryover
- On-campus or teletherapy options
Occupational therapy helps students build the motor, sensory, and self-regulation skills they need to access learning and school routines.
DES OTs and COTAs address fine motor skills, handwriting, visual–motor integration, sensory processing, and functional school skills. Evaluations and treatment plans are tailored to the demands of the school environment and the student’s IEP goals.
For districts, our OT services support compliance with related services requirements and reduce backlogs. For parents, OT provides practical, school-focused strategies to make participation easier and less frustrating.
- School-based OT evaluations and consultation
- Direct and consultative services in classrooms and natural settings
- Written strategies for teachers and families to support regulation and independence
- COTA support under OT supervision to extend service capacity
BCBAs provide behavior assessment, plan development, and ongoing consultation so that school teams have clear, evidence-based strategies to support students with challenging behavior.
Our BCBAs conduct functional behavior assessments, design behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and coach staff on implementation. They focus on practical strategies that fit the classroom, comply with district policies, and help students remain in the least restrictive environment.
Administrators gain a behavior partner who understands both compliance requirements and day-to-day classroom realities. Parents see structured plans that promote safety, skill-building, and dignity.
- Functional behavior assessments and BIP development
- Staff training and in-class coaching for teachers and aides
- Ongoing data review and plan adjustments
- Coordination with BII staff and other related services
Behavior interventionists provide one-to-one or small-group support that helps students follow plans, stay engaged, and participate safely in the school day.
DES BIIs work under the guidance of BCBAs and school teams to implement behavior plans, reinforcement systems, and accommodations. They support students across the day, including classroom time, transitions, and less structured settings like lunch and recess.
For schools, our BIIs reduce disruptions and help stabilize challenging situations. For families, they are an extra layer of support that allows students to remain on campus with the services they need.
- One-to-one behavioral support tied to IEP goals and BIPs
- Real-time data collection and communication with supervisors
- Training in de-escalation and positive behavior supports
- Collaboration with classroom staff, administrators, and families
DES paraeducators extend classroom capacity by providing targeted instructional and behavioral support that aligns with teacher direction and student plans.
Our NPA paraeducators work side by side with classroom teachers to support instruction, accommodations, and behavior expectations. They are trained in special education basics, data collection, and professional boundaries, and they operate as part of the school team.
For administrators, para support helps cover high-need classrooms and students without adding permanent staffing immediately. For parents, it offers reassurance that their child is not “falling through the cracks” in a busy classroom.
- Small-group and individual support within the classroom
- Implementation of teacher- and specialist-directed strategies
- Assistance with organization, prompting, and engagement
- Professional communication with staff and families
Adapted PE teachers make physical education accessible, safe, and meaningful for students with motor, sensory, or health-related needs.
DES APE providers assess student needs and design activities that allow participation in PE with peers whenever possible. They collaborate with general PE staff and related service providers to adapt equipment, rules, and instruction.
For schools, this supports compliance with adapted PE requirements and inclusive practice. For families, it opens up opportunities for their child to build strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment.
- Adapted PE evaluations and IEP goal development
- Direct and consultative APE services in school settings
- Collaboration with PE teachers and related services
- Focus on safety, participation, and lifelong physical activity skills
School nurses help students manage health needs at school so they can attend more consistently and participate safely in learning.
DES school nurses support individual student health plans, medication management, and health-related IEP services in alignment with district policies. They help coordinate care among families, physicians, and school teams, with a focus on safety and access to instruction.
For districts, this can help cover nursing vacancies or high-need campuses. For parents, it means their child’s health needs are understood and consistently addressed during the school day.
- Individual health plan development and implementation
- Medication administration and monitoring according to policy
- Training and support for school staff on health procedures
- Health-related input at IEP and student support meetings
Occupational Therapy Team (OT and COTA)
The Occupational Therapy team focuses on the functional independence of students within their educational environment. This group consists of Registered Occupational Therapists (OTRs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) who address the foundational fine motor skills and sensory processing abilities required for academic engagement. By addressing these core developmental areas, our therapists develop and implement targeted interventions that align precisely with the goals established in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our COTAs work under the close supervision of our OTRs to provide consistent and high-quality treatment. This collaborative approach ensures that students can navigate their school day with maximum independence while achieving their developmental milestones.
Speech-Language Pathology Team (SLP and SLPA)
The Speech-Language Pathology team includes licensed SLPs and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) who are dedicated to helping students improve communication within the academic environment. Effective communication serves as the foundation for academic access and social success. Our providers specialize in the remediation of articulation, language processing, and social-pragmatic challenges through a collaborative team model. From comprehensive assessments conducted by our SLPs to the consistent and goal-oriented therapy provided by our SLPAs, we provide the frequent support necessary for students to master the curriculum. This structured model ensures that services are delivered within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to promote inclusion and peer interaction.
Behavioral Intervention Services (BCBA and BII)
Led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), this team provides data-driven support for students with complex behavioral needs. We specialize in conducting comprehensive Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and developing legally defensible Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). All behavioral services are performed in full compliance with California AB 1172 standards to ensure the highest levels of safety and professional integrity. Our Behavior Intervention Implementers (BIIs) work under the rigorous supervision of our BCBAs to provide consistent one-on-one support. We focus on teaching replacement behaviors and self-regulation skills so that every student can thrive in the classroom setting.
School Psychologists
Led by experts in the field, our school psychologists provide comprehensive and evidence-based psycho-educational evaluations. These assessments serve as a roadmap for the student’s journey and are designed to be both thorough and legally defensible. Dr. Alberto Restori, PhD, establishes the clinical framework and professional standards for this team to ensure that all evaluations meet the requirements of the California Education Code. We specialize in identifying unique learning profiles such as ADHD and dyslexia while providing data-driven recommendations to promote academic success. Beyond assessment, our psychologists serve as vital members of the IEP team who offer behavioral consultation and mental health support.
School Nursing Services
DES school nurses play a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment. Our nurses manage chronic conditions and develop Individualized Health Plans (IHPs) that allow students to attend school consistently. Additionally, our nursing staff conducts mandatory vision and hearing screenings with clinical precision to ensure that students are physically ready to learn. We act as a professional liaison between medical providers, families, and school staff to ensure health-related barriers to learning are identified early. This clinical oversight ensures that all district health mandates are met with professionalism and care.
Special Education Teachers (RSP)
Our Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teachers provide specialized academic instruction focusing on individualized strategies and executive functioning support. We utilize push-in and pull-out models that ensure students succeed alongside their peers in general education settings. DES teachers work collaboratively with general education staff to provide support that directly addresses a student’s unique learning goals. By focusing on individualized instructional strategies, our RSP teachers help students develop the skills necessary to master the general education curriculum.
Adapted Physical Education (APE)
Our Adapted Physical Education (APE) specialists design individualized physical education programs focusing on motor skill development and social interaction. We ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in physical activity regardless of their physical or developmental challenges. By adapting equipment and activities, our APE teachers build the physical confidence necessary for meaningful participation in school life. These services are provided within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to ensure students remain integrated with their school community.
Recreational Therapy
Our recreational therapy services utilize play, recreation, and leisure activities as therapeutic tools to improve a student’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. By using engaging and activity-based interventions, our therapists help students develop essential life skills for community and school integration. This holistic approach focuses on the student’s strengths to improve social participation and self-esteem. These services are designed to help students meet their IEP goals while developing a sense of confidence that translates directly into the classroom environment.