Bridge Academy

The Special Services Department is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students and continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and its impact on student learning and social-emotional needs. We acknowledge that this situation is difficult and appreciate your commitment to the health of your family. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Special Education FAQs 

How will Special Education and Related Services be provided?

Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) is committed to supporting our exceptional learners, their families, and school communities through the Bridge Academy.

Beginning Monday, August 10, 2020, your child will receive special education and related services through Bridge Academy, which will allow your child to access the curriculum and benefit from the educational program offered. Students will receive direct services from the educational specialist (case-carrier) and related service providers (e.g. speech services, occupational services, social-emotional learning, educational related mental health services, etc.).

Will Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings be held during distance
learning?

Yes. All annual, triennial, and addendum IEP meetings will be held virtually until it’s safe for students to physically return to school.

Who must attend the virtual IEP meetings?

All required IEP team must be present at all virtual IEP meetings unless the parent or guardian gives consent for the excusal of any member from the meeting. If any members of the IEP team are not excused and are unable to participate in a virtual IEP meeting, the meeting should be rescheduled for a mutually agreeable time.

Will Special Education assessments* continue during distance learning?

Yes. The school psychologist will discuss options with the parents or guardian for completing initial evaluation and reevaluations (triennial).

How can a parent/guardian initiate a virtual IEP meeting?

A parent or guardian can request a virtual IEP meeting through your child’s educational specialist (case-carrier), school principal, and/or related service provider (e.g. speech services, occupational services, social-emotional learning, educational related mental health services, etc.).

Can IEP teams meet without internet access?

Yes. The IEP team members can participate in a meeting on Google Meet via the internet or by phone.

Are interpreting services available during virtual IEP meetings?

Yes. Virtual IEP meetings should follow the same process as in-person IEP meetings and should include available staff who are proficient and experienced with interpreting.

What if I have questions?

If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your child's educational specialist (case-carrier) or school principal.

Non-Public Schools (NPA) and Residential Placements

For students in NPS or residential placements, Rialto will follow the attendance recommendations of the individual NPS or facility.

Transportation-Related Services

The Transportation Office will continue to provide transportation to out-of-district schools that remain open and for students who are able to attend.

Katie Enriquez and Mary Byrnes setting up for supply distribution on a rainy morning.