Exceptional Student Services
Need help?
For questions, please contact Amy Kalcic, Senior Administrative Assistant to ESS at 623-772-2326 or akalcic@pesd92.org.
To request Exceptional Student Services student records, please email pesdessrecords@pesd92.org.
Gwendolyn Parker, Director of Exceptional Student Services
Phone: 623-772-2332
Rae James, Assistant Director of Early Childhood and Exceptional Student Services
Phone: 623-772-2360
Dr. Authur Johnson, Director Student Support for Climate & Culture
Phone: 623-772-2317
Amy Kalcic, Senior Administrative Assistant
Phone: 623-772-2326
Cecilia Mendoza Payan, Office Technician/Records
Phone: 623-772-2338
Fax: 623-877-1028
Abrianna Perez, Preschool Scholars Office I
Phone: 623-772-2341
Yanely Espinoza, Medicaid Specialist
Phone: 623-772-2378
Areas of Responsibilities
Exceptional Student Services is responsible for the identification and placement of all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment with the provision of specialized instruction. Student support that is overseen by Exceptional Student Services includes: Special Education Services, Gifted Services, Section 504 accommodations, health services, homebound services, voucher placements, Early Childhood Services, positive intervention behavior supports, counseling, assistive technology, school psychology services, related services, Medicaid billing, program implementation and monitoring, the provision of FAPE for all students receiving special education services and adherence to IDEA.
Strategic Plan Goals
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Increase the understanding and practices of staff to educate and provide rigorous instruction for our neurodiverse students.
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Support inclusive classroom practices to be utilized in all classrooms for all students
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Developing community partnerships are developed and nurtured to support students and families through collaborative efforts.
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Ensure equitable educational opportunities for our neurodiverse students.
Our Mission
The mission of the Pendergast Exceptional Student Services Department is providing access to all educational needs by embracing dignity, equity and opportunities for all.
Points of Pride
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Early Childhood Programming, Developmental and Community
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Assistive Technology Coordinators
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Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
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Continuum of Inclusive and Equitable Practices
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Compliant audits from the Arizona Department of Education and Medicaid