North East ISD (NEISD) serves a large portion of north central and northeast San Antonio. The district's Special Education Department is centralized at the Tesoro Drive administration building, but they maintain a strong campus-based support model. A unique feature of NEISD is its extensive "Family Engagement" program, which includes Family Specialists at many campuses to help bridge the gap between home and school, particularly for families navigating complex systems like special education.
The district offers a robust continuum of services. Beyond standard resource and co-teach classrooms, you may encounter the Alternative Learning Environment (ALE), designed for students with cognitive deficits who need a focus on functional academics and life skills. For students with significant behavioral needs, the district utilizes the Redirection program, which focuses on teaching pro-social replacement behaviors and coping skills. NEISD also provides specialized support for students with visual impairments and auditory impairments from birth through age 22.
If you are new to the district, it is helpful to know that NEISD is proactive about "Child Find." They offer specific screening clinics for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) suspected of having a disability. This Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program is a critical entry point for many families. Additionally, the district hosts an annual Special Education Community Resource Fair, bringing together local agencies and vendors to support families, which is a great networking opportunity.
When communicating with the district, specificity is key. If your child is in a specialized program like ALE or Redirection, the "Program Coordinator" for that specific instructional arrangement is often a better contact for resolving programmatic issues than a general special education director. You can find these specific contacts in our leadership directory.