Special Education

Children ages 3–5 who qualify for special education services are welcomed into our Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program, where we work closely with families to support each child’s unique strengths and needs.

Students receive daily specially designed instruction (SDI) in small-group settings that address functional and pre-academic skills, such as communication, learning, motor development, social-emotional growth, and adaptive skills. Instruction is tailored to each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and is provided within a structured, nurturing environment.

Our preschoolers also have opportunities to engage with high-quality early learning curriculum through their SDI, with lessons designed at their present level of performance. Each class includes up to 13 students with IEPs, allowing for close attention and individualized support.

The ECSE program operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with both morning and afternoon sessions. 

Served at: Cascade View

The Learning Resource Center I (LRC I) program supports school-age students who need extra help in areas such as academics, behavior, and social skills. Students receive specially designed instruction (SDI) that is tailored to their unique strengths and needs, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Most students in LRC I spend the majority of their day in general education classrooms, learning alongside their peers. They receive targeted support and services—either in the classroom, in an LRC setting, or in another school environment—depending on what is written in their IEP.

Instructional content is flexible and based on each student’s needs, ensuring they can access the curriculum and make progress.

Served at: All schools

The Learning Resource Center 2 (LRC 2) program supports school-age students who need more intensive help with academics and functional (daily living) skills. Students receive specially designed instruction (SDI) that is individualized to their strengths and needs, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Students in LRC II participate in the general education curriculum and activities as outlined in their IEP. Instruction is adapted so that each student can learn at their own level and experience success.

Most students spend much of their instructional time in smaller, specialized classroom groups, where they receive more individualized support while building confidence and independence. This is determined by their IEP team.

Served at: Thorndyke Elementary, Showalter Middle School, and Foster High School

Child Find is a requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its purpose is to locate, identify, and evaluate children ages 3–21 who may have a disability and could benefit from special education and related services.

In Tukwila, Child Find serves as the first point of contact for families whose children are not currently enrolled in Tukwila School District schools. Through outreach and screening, Child Find also helps identify children who may not otherwise be referred.

If you suspect your child (age three or older) may have a disability and they are not enrolled in Tukwila School District, please contact our Child Find office to request a screening.

Families who are living in temporary housing or other transitional situations are encouraged to reach out to the school district where they are currently staying to request a screening.

Please email: childfind@tukwila.wednet.edu for information and to schedule a screening appointment.

We are excited to partner with families to support our youngest learners. Free developmental screenings are available for children ages three to five. These screenings help identify areas where your child may benefit from additional support in areas such as speech and language, motor skills, early learning and problem-solving, self-help skills, and social-emotional development.

Child Find evaluations for preschool-aged children are held at Cascade View Elementary.

To learn more or schedule a screening, please email: childfind@tukwila.wednet.edu.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning or school experience, we are here to support you.

• Elementary (K–5): Families are encouraged to connect with their child’s teacher, principal, or school social worker.
• Secondary (6–12): Families are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor.

Each school has a Care Team, a group of educators who partner with families to problem-solve and provide coordinated support. Areas of support may include academics, behavior, social-emotional development, physical needs, or communication skills.