School-Based Services
Comprehensive Related Services & Staffing Solutions.
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
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.