Our Special Education Services Department is dedicated to partnering with parents to serve the unique educational needs of children and youth with disabilities in Napa, Yountville, and American Canyon. We strive to provide an educational environment that supports the social, emotional, and academic success of our students.
NVUSD’s Executive Director of Special Education Services believes her Napa High teachers helped prepare her for a future as an educator. That future in education has benefited NVUSD students for nearly 20 years and has taken Ms. Ricetti through many meaningful positions and experiences.
According to Ms. Ricetti, there were many Napa High teachers who reached out to support her when she needed it, they went “above and beyond to keep me engaged in school and on track to graduate. When I lost my way, they were the ones who took the extra time to reach out to me, to listen, to let me know that my presence in their classes was not just expected, but wanted. It is those relationships that I have kept in mind when I have had students who struggle and need an anchor of support.”
Since joining NVUSD in August 2003, Ms. Ricetti has been that anchor of support for the wonderful students and programs she oversees. It appears she has somewhat seamlessly traversed the role of specialist, coordinator, director, and now, executive director. Her accomplishments are reflected in so many areas, including her selection as the Association of California School Administrators (ASCA) Special Education Administrator of the Year for 2022.
Ms. Ricetti hopes to continue that great work, sharing, “My hope now is that the work I do inspires teachers to be an anchor of support for the students they work with every day.”
Napa Valley Unified School District's Specialized Vocational Services is funded using State and Federal funds (WorkAbility and TPP) to provide services to secondary students with IEP and 504 plans. A staff of five specialists provide services to comprehensive high schools, alternative high schools, and post-secondary classrooms.
1680 Myrtle Avenue
Napa, CA 94558
Main Number - 707-253-3848
Workability Works
About
The WorkAbility I (WAI) grant program provides comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow-up for high school students enrolled in Special Education who are making the transition from high school to work, independent living, and post-secondary education or training. The WAI program offers special education students an opportunity to complete their secondary education while also obtaining marketable job skills. The WAI program is funded and administered by the California Department of Education , Special Education Department.
The Transition Partnership Project (TPP) is a partnership between schools and the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DOR). The purpose of this partnership is to successfully transition twelfth grade high school students into meaningful employment and post-secondary education. With support from program staff, students may receive career guidance, employment preparation skills, vocational training, job development services, agency referrals and assistance.
