Special Education
Special Education
Special Education
Local Plan
Willits Unified Special Education Services are part of the Mendocino County Special Education Local Planning Area. Our services follow this local plan which is reviewed annually. Click on the link for all the local plan information.
If you have questions about our special education services, please contact Kelley Labus, the Special Education Director, at 707-459-5314 x 1109. We also have a Willits Unified Special Education Parent Facebook Page.
The Willits Unified School District Special Education Department Vision 26/27
Every student belongs. Every educator is equipped. Every barrier is an opportunity to innovate. Together, we ensure all students discover their potential and thrive.
We partner with school sites to ensure every student is known, valued, included, and challenged. We build the knowledge, confidence, and systems that empower educators to create flexible, innovative, and responsive learning environments where every student can grow, achieve, and thrive.
We believe that every student’s success is a shared responsibility, and together we cultivate a culture of belonging, high expectations, collaboration, and continuous growth.
2026–2027 Department Goals
1. Inclusive Learning
- Collaborate with general education teams to ensure every student has meaningful access to grade-level curriculum, instruction, and school experiences through high-quality, individualized supports.
2. Capacity Building
- Equip educators with the knowledge, tools, coaching, and confidence needed to effectively support the academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.
3. Belonging and Well-Being
- Foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, respected, connected, and empowered to participate in their school community.
4. Excellence Through Collaboration
- Strengthen partnerships among special education staff, general education staff, families, and community agencies to improve outcomes for students through shared responsibility and continuous communication.
5. Continuous Growth
- Use data, evidence-based practices, and reflective problem-solving to continually improve instruction, services, and student outcomes while promoting increasing independence and self-advocacy.