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Special Education Services

The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that respects and celebrates the individuality and exceptionality of every student. We are committed to providing a safe, caring, and engaging atmosphere that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth. Our educators and staff work collaboratively to design accessible, rigorous and meaningful learning experiences for all. 

The HCSD Special Education Department assists schools in delivering personalized support and services to students with identified disabilities. As professional educators, whether our role is in general education, special education, or administration, we believe it is our collective responsibility to support students who receive special education services to meet our District standards and students' individualized education plans (IEPs). 

HCSD belongs to the San Mateo County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) which includes 23 neighboring school districts, eight Charter LEAs, and the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE).  Learn more about our SELPA below:

Child Find

Hillsborough City School District is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating children who may have disabilities and need special education or related services. This process is called Child Find.

Special Education Eligibility

Under federal and state law, children and young adults from age 3 through 21 may qualify for special education services in public schools if they are found eligible as a student with a disability.

If you are a resident of Hillsborough and suspect your child may have a disability that affects learning, behavior, communication, or development, please contact:

Students currently enrolled in HCSD schools (TK–8):  Contact your child’s school and ask to speak with the principal or school counselor about your concerns and the SST and special education evaluation process.

Students in private schools or homeschool (Parentally Placed Students in Private School):  

  • If your child attends a private school or homeschool program located in Hillsborough: Contact our District Office at 650-342-5193 and staff will help you understand options for assessment, special education eligibility, and equitable services.
  • If your child attends attends a private school or homeschool program located outside of  Hillsborough: Contact the Special Education Department in the school district of the location of your child’s school. Staff will help you understand options for assessment, special education eligibility, and equitable services.

Preschool-age children (ages 3–5):

  • If you are a resident of Hillsborough and your child is age 3–5 and not yet in TK/kindergarten: Contact our District Office at 650-342-5193 to discuss your concerns and how to register and request an evaluation.

New to HCSD:

  • If you are new to Hillsborough and currently have an IEP, when registering, please provide a copy of your student’s current IEP to assist us in placing your student.

Special Education Services

Individual Educational Programs

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) serves as the formal written plan for every public school student eligible for special education. This document is crafted through a collaborative team process and undergoes a formal review at least annually.

Prior to the development of an IEP, eligibility for services must be established. In accordance with federal regulations, a multidisciplinary team must confirm that the student (1) possesses an identified disability and (2) necessitates specialized instruction and related services to access and progress within the general education curriculum.

While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates specific informational components, it does not dictate a standardized layout. The Hillsborough City School District utilizes comprehensive documentation to maintain instructional consistency throughout our school community.

Students may qualify for support as an individual with exceptional needs under one of the thirteen eligibility categories defined by IDEA:

  • Autism
  • Deafness
  • Deaf-Blindness
  • Emotional Disability
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Speech or Language Impairment
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Visual Impairment

Parent Rights and Procedural Safeguards