Special Programs and Support Services

In addition to our outstanding general education program, Turtle Rock has a variety of other programs and services.

Gifted and Talented Education Program

The G.A.T.E. Program is available to identified students grades 4-6 with exceptional learning abilities. The program consists of small clusters of identified students within the general education classrooms with a teacher who has been trained in meeting the needs of the gifted student. Appropriately differentiated instruction including depth, complexity, acceleration and novelty is taught within the core curriculum. You may obtain further information by calling the school office or the district office at (949) 936-5000 or visiting the Gifted and Talented page of the IUSD web at www.iusd.org/parent_resources/gate/gate.htm

Alternative Program for Academically Accelerated Students (Grades 4-6): A.P.A.A.S.

Turtle Rock provides district-sponsored alternative gifted classes for children who are either identified as gifted or are high achieving academically. These classes place heavy emphasis on critical thinking and structure of the intellect while still giving priority emphasis to a thorough understanding and acceleration in basic skills. Placement is determined by the district’s coordinator of Gifted and Talented Education. You may obtain further information by calling the school office or the district office at (949)936-5000 or visiting the Gifted and Talented page of the IUSD web at www.iusd.org/parent_resources/gate/gate.htm

English as a Second Language Program

Our staff recommends that children learning English as a second language enroll in the IUSD Newcomer Program. Students are much more successful in English acquisition through this specialized district program. Children at TR are supported by an aide and appropriate instructional strategies.

Guidance Resource Services

Time Together Program: Funded by a grant, this program provides small group interactions focusing on social skills.
Stars & Stages: We receive the services of a Guidance Assistant who works with small groups in the areas of classroom behavior, academic achievement, self-concept and social skills. In addition, the assistant focuses on managing reactions to major changes in home or at school.

Health Services

District nursing staff (on site one day per week) and a part-time health clerk provides students with vision screening (grades K, 3, 6) and hearing screening (grades K, 2, 5) and assists students who have physical impairment and health related problems. Information and guidance is provided to staff, parents, and students when medical conditions affect academic and social growth. A complete health and developmental history of a student is obtained when considering placement in the Resource Specialist Program. For further information, call IUSD Health Services Office at (949) 936-7920.

CDC Child Care - (949) 854-5060

Child Development Center provides Turtle Rock families with affordable day care in a warm, encouraging environment. CDC’s program offers children a variety of educational and recreational activities which encourage growth and development. Open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Psychological Services

Our part time school psychologist provides assistance for the behavioral, social/emotional, and cognitive problems of students. Diagnosis of student needs, counseling/guidance for students and parents, testing, and consultation to staff is available.

Resource Specialist Program

This program is designed to assist children who demonstrate significant deficits in academic skills. A student can qualify for this program by demonstrating a specific learning disability or a significant discrepancy between ability and academic achievement. After a student is identified as qualifying for this program, an Individualized Educational Plan is designed to assist the student to make reasonable academic gains utilizing his/her strengths and remediation of weaknesses. This program is designed and implemented by the resource specialist in classrooms and in a one-on-one or small group-learning situation.

Speech and Language Program

This program is designed to diagnose and provide therapy for students who demonstrate difficulty in speech, language development, and language based skills. Students who qualify for this program have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) designed for them and receive individual or small group assistance as appropriate.

Title I Program

Title I funds support multiple programs including: Early Intervention Reading Model for small group reading interventions in the K-1 classrooms; Read Naturally, a program targeting reading fluency in grade 2-3; Read 180 using technology, reading selections matched to reading levels, and small group instruction for grades 4-6; and small group math instruction.

Other Services and Special Programs
  • Art: 3-6 art specialist
  • Instrumental Music: 4-6
  • Chorus – 4-6
  • Library/Media Center: K-6
  • Health Education: K-6
  • Science Specialist: instruction to grades 4-6 and a resource to grades K-3
  • Student Success Plan Team: a problem-solving team approach for students, parents, and staff
  • D.A.R.E. Program: This special drug awareness program, sponsored by the Irvine Police Department, provides information and insights for students in grades 4-6. Sixth grade has a special program.

PTA Sponsored Services
  • Art: Art Masters K-6
  • Music: 1-3 Music Specialist
  • PE: 1-6 grade Physical Education Paraprofessional
  • Health: a fifth hour four day per week