Paradise Education Centers, K-4, Middle School, PHHS

Paradise Education Centers

15533 W. Paradise Lane, Surprise AZ 85374 Phone: 623-975-2646 Fax: 623-975-2841

Paradise Education Center has made a commitment to provide an excellent education to all students. As parents and educators we know, each child is a unique learner with individual strengths and needs. Paradise Education Center’s special education and support programs have been designed to allow students with disabilities to have the opportunity to develop into successful, caring, and knowledgeable members of our community.

Children who need extra help at school in order to learn may need special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Identified students receive a free and appropriate education to meet their unique and individual needs. PEC’s special education program provides designed instruction, at no costs to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Special education is provided through a continuum of services which may include instruction in the general education classroom with supplementary aids and services, services integrated into the general education classroom, specialized instruction in a learning lab or pull-out setting, or facilitated instruction and services in an outside program or school to meet individual student need.

Some challenges that students experience may be resolved with the support of universal resources available at PEC. These resources include the Academic Resource Team, Behavior Resource Team, Curriculum/Instructional Specialist, and Counseling Program. These teams and specialist provide teacher support and development of effective practices and strategies to improve student success and outcomes in the areas of academic, social/emotional, and adaptive living skills.

In addition, challenges can also be resolved with assistance from the Request for Assistance Team (RFA). This team works collaboratively with both teacher and parent to look closely at individual student outcomes and provides an action plan for improving individual student progress in the area(s) of concern. At times, students are referred for further assessment to determine if special education services or adjustments to the regular education program are required

There are many steps that must be followed to decide whether a child's educational needs require the assistance of special education. Checks and balances are built into each step, and a team approach is used to ensure that children who need special education will receive such services. If you have any questions about eligibility for special programs or would like more information, contact your school principal or call the Special Education Department at 623-546-7215.

Special Education Director:

Terra O'Brien

Office Phone: (623)546-7215

click here to email the Special Education Director