First Steps

Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: 661-456-1116 Fax: 661-273-1135

Office Staff

Irene Orloff Management - Special Education Program Specialist II

Email Irene Orloff

First Steps Special Education Preschool
Thelma Escamilla Classified - Bilingual School Secretary

Email Thelma Escamilla
Aileen Mendoza Classified - Parent/Community Liaison

Email Aileen Mendoza

First Steps

Colleen Sawyer Management - Principal Scholar Elementary School

Email Colleen Sawyer

Palmdale Discovery Center

8:55 AM - 11:46 AM

Arrival: parent drop-off and bus loading 8:50 AM

Dismissal: parent pick-up and bus loading 11:35 AM

12:26 AM - 3:17 PM

Arrival: parent drop-off and bus loading 12:26 AM

Dismissal: parent pick-up and bus loading 3:06 PM

If you want to see if your child is eligible for Special Education Bus Transportation Services,

please contact our school office at 661-274-0849.

If you are inquiring about a late bus, don't hesitate to contact

the Transportation Dispatcher at 661-229-4065.

How do I request an assessment for my child? What is the procedure?

Call 661-274-0849 to request an assessment. Your address and child’s age qualifications will be confirmed, and you will be referred to our Intake Clerk
The Intake Clerk will gather basic information about your child and your specific concerns and a packet will be mailed that explains the registration process
Parents will need to complete the registration process at the First Steps Special Education Preschool Office. Required documents include your child's Birth Certificate, immunization record and a current utility bill. Once the child is registered, an appointment will be made to gain the parent’s consent for assessment. The child will be assessed within 60 days of receiving the signed forms, and parents will receive assessment dates, times, and location
The Assessment Team varies depending on the needs of the child and is normally comprised of a School Psychologist, a Nurse, and a Speech/Language Pathologist. Parents need to be present during the assessment.
A meeting is scheduled after the assessment so that the Assessment Team can share their assessment results with the parents. If it is determined that the child requires special education services, an Individual Education Program (IEP) will be developed. The IEP identifies the appropriate goals, services, and educational settings to support the child.