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5G hotspots ($50 Discount) with Mobile Beacon's Unlimited Internet Service , $225.00, 0.00% raised
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Ms. Alicia Kem
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Xvprivatespecialschool@graduate.org
Xv private special school inc
Hometown:
Oceanside
Class Information:
Students per Class: 55
Class Description:
This class provides technology-supportedinstruction for special needs and homeschooled students in grades 1–5, with priority for learners whose IEP-required devices are currently waitlisted. Students develop reading, writing, math, and life skills through accessible digital tools such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and visual organizers. Lessons focus on building independence, communication, and confidence while meeting individual education goals. Instruction is individualized, hands-on, and cross-curricular,allowing students to learn at their own pace with the accommodations they need to succeed.
Position:
Founder
Needs:
Students served by XV Private Special School have documented IEPs requiring laptops, AAC devices, speech-to-text, and reliable internet to access education. Many of these learners are currently waitlisted for mandated equipment and cannot read, write, or communicate at their ability level without technology. Families we serve are low-income or homeschooling and cannot purchase devices that cost hundreds of dollars. This gap results in lost instructional time, unfinished assignments, and declining confidence. Immediate access to assistive hardware and connectivity is essential for students to meet IEP goals, participate in cross-curricular learning, and develop independence in communication and daily living skills. IEP students in our program are waitlisted for essential technology such as laptops, AAC devices, and internet access. Without these tools they cannot communicate, write, or engage in curriculum. Families cannot afford to purchase equipment themselves. Immediate funding is needed to provide mandated accommodations and ensure equitable participation in learning. StudentsNeed: Laptops/tabletsto complete writing and reading tasks AAC speech devices for non-verbal communication Headphones& microphones for language development Mobilehotspots for families without internet Assistivesoftware for speech-to-text and text-to-speech Trainingfor parents and students to use devices Because Currently: Devicesin IEPs are on long waitlists Homeschoolfamilies receive no district equipment Studentslose progress and confidence Accessto online instruction is limited
My Philosophy:
I believe every child is capable of learning when the right doors are opened. Education should not be about fitting children into one system, but about shaping the system around each child’s strengths, needs, and voice. Too many students are labeled instead of listened to, waitlisted instead of supported, and underestimated instead of empowered. My philosophy is to change that story. As a parent of a special needs child, I have seen how quickly confidence fades when tools and accommodations are delayed. I believe that technology, patience, and compassion can restore that confidence. Devices written into an IEP are not extras—they are lifelines that allow a child to read, write, speak, and participate in the world. No student should have to wait to access their education. I teach with the belief that progress matters more than perfection. Small victories—typing a first sentence, using speech-to-text independently, completing a daily schedule—are the foundation of lifelong independence. Classrooms should be safe places where mistakes are part of learning and every form of communication is honored. My goal is to help children discover that they are not broken learners, only differently equipped thinkers. When students feel seen, supported, and capable, they begin to imagine futures they once thought were out of reach. That is why I teach, advocate, and build programs—to make sure every child has the chance to say, “I can
Personal Information:
About Me:
My name is Alicia Kem, and I am the founder of XV Private Special School Inc. I am a mother of a special needs child, an educator, and an advocate for students who are too often left waiting for the tools they need to learn. My journey began in my own home, navigating IEP meetings, device waitlists, and systems that moved slower than my child’s need to grow. I created this program so other families would not feel alone in that struggle. I believe education should meet children where they are, with compassion, technology, and high expectations. My work focuses on providing assistive devices, literacy support, and life-skills training so every child can find their voice and their confidence
Activities:
Digital Literacy & Writing, Assistive Technology Training, Cross-Curriculum Lessons, Life Skills Development, Social & Emotional Learning, Family Engagement, Assessment & Progress Monitoring, Community Impact
Favorite Books:
*The Emerald tablets *The age of Aquarius
Favorite Quotes:
“Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Josh Shipp “Children don’t need to be fixed. They need to be understood.” “Fairdoesn’t mean everyone gets the same; fair means everyone gets what they need.” “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” – Ignacio Estrada “Abilityis what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz
Interests:
My interest is in creating equitable education for students with special needs and homeschool learners who are waitlisted for the tools they require. I am passionate about providing assistive technology, literacy support, and life-skills instruction so every child can communicate, learn, and feel confident. I am especially interested in bridging the gap between IEP requirements and real access, ensuring that no student falls behind simply because equipment was unavailable.
Employment History:
Waitress | 2012 – 2020 Provided customer service in fast-paced environments, managing time, communication, and problem-solving with diverse clientele. Developed strong organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and a commitment to serving others with patience and professionalism. In-HomeSupportive Services (IHSS) Caregiver – San Diego Public Authority | 2020 – Present Employedas the primary caregiver for a disabled child, providing daily living assistance, medical advocacy, behavioral support, and coordination of educational and therapeutic services. Responsibilities include implementing IEP-related supports, communication strategies, and life-skills development. Founder& Director – XV Private Special School Inc. | 2025 – Present Establisheda nonprofit educational program serving special needs and homeschooled students. Responsibilities include program development, instruction, grant writing, family advocacy, assistive technology coordination, and creating individualized learning plans focused on literacy, communication, and independence.
Why Do I Teach?:
I teach because I know what it feels like to fight for a child who is overlooked. As a parent of a special needs student and the founder of XV Private Special School, I have lived the frustration of waitlists, unanswered questions, and systems that move too slowly for children who are growing right now. I teach so no child has to wait to feel capable. I believe every student has a voice, even if they need technology, patience, or creative pathways to find it. I teach to give children the tools written into their IEPs—the laptops, speech devices, and supports that turn “I can’t” into “watch me.” When a student who once refused to write suddenly dictates a full paragraph, I am reminded why this work matters