California Area School District

Students may be placed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules
2. Display of or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-affiliated activities
3. Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-related activities
4. Possession of a weapon on school property
5. Commission of a criminal act on school property
6. Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy

A student may be placed in an AEDY program immediately for reasons two, three and/or four. This is because the student is considered a threat to the safety of other students/staff or creates an unsafe school environment.

Prior to placement in an AEDY program, a student should receive a hearing. Parents and students have the following rights and responsibilities:

• A parent must be notified in writing why their child is being suspended.
• A parent must receive notice within a reasonable amount of time.
• The student may question any witnesses at the hearing.
• The student may bring witnesses to the hearing.
• The hearing should be offered within the first five days of suspension; if the student is placed immediately, the hearing can occur after placement.

Each AEDY student will receive an ISP within 10 school days of placement. The ISP is developed collaboratively with the student, family, and school team and includes:

• Academic, behavioral, and emotional goals
• Supports and interventions
• Monitoring schedule and responsible staff
• Parent involvement plan
• Transition Plan

Progress on ISP goals will be reviewed and documented regularly. The ISP will guide decisions regarding continued placement or transition back to the regular school setting.

In the AEDY setting, students have increased access to mental health and emotional regulation supports. Counseling is provided at least 2.5 hours weekly or more frequently if needed. Interventions include:

• Individual counseling sessions
• Group social-emotional skill building
• Trauma-informed supports
• Referral to community-based mental health services if warranted

Every student’s placement in AEDY is temporary. A transition team meets every 45 school days to assess readiness to return to the regular education setting. The ISP Team sets a presumptive exit date at every planning meeting in preparation for an exit of the program. Transition planning includes:

• Academic and behavioral progress review
• Transition readiness criteria
• Gradual re-entry planning (e.g., half-days or specific subjects)
• Continued support during reintegration

The transition team includes the parent/guardian, student, AEDY teacher, regular education teacher, counselor, and Director of Student Services/AEDY Administrator, and the building principal or home district AEDY liaison (if student is not a California Area School District Student).