Managed IT for education
Managed IT services for schools
Helpdesk, security, networks and FERPA and CIPA support for K-12 districts, charter and private schools, and colleges in Southern California.
The short answer
WCC provides managed IT for schools: helpdesk, monitoring, security and network management, plus the controls schools need for FERPA, CIPA and California student privacy laws. We also install the cabling, Wi-Fi, cameras and access control underneath, including network infrastructure work across more than 500 LAUSD schools.
Compliance
The rules school IT has to meet
| Rule | What it covers | What IT has to do |
|---|---|---|
| FERPA | Student education records | Limit access, use MFA and logging, and control what vendors receive |
| CIPA | Internet safety for minors | Filter harmful content and keep an internet safety policy, required for E-Rate discounts |
| SOPIPA and AB 1584 | California student data | Review vendor apps and include required terms in contracts that involve student data |
| GLBA Safeguards Rule | Financial aid data at colleges | Keep a written security program with a qualified individual, MFA and encryption |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy, FCC CIPA guide.
Services
What managed IT for schools covers
Helpdesk and monitoring
Support for teachers and staff, plus monitoring and patching for servers, endpoints and network gear.
Security
Endpoint detection, email security, MFA and backup that protects student records from ransomware.
Web filtering
CIPA-compliant filtering on and off campus, configured and managed for your district.
Classroom Wi-Fi
High-density Wi-Fi for 1:1 device programs and testing days. Wireless
Cabling and networks
Classroom cabling, fiber and switching, often E-Rate eligible. Network cabling
Campus safety
Cameras, access control and lockdown. K-12 school technology
Who we serve
Schools and colleges we support
K-12 districts
Co-managed support for district IT teams, plus networks, Wi-Fi and campus safety.
Charter and private schools
Fully managed IT for schools without a large IT staff, with FERPA and CIPA built in.
Fully managed
Colleges and universities
Community colleges, CSU and UC units and private colleges, with GLBA support.
FAQ
Managed IT for schools questions
What does managed IT for schools include?
Helpdesk for staff, monitoring and patching, endpoint security, email security, backup, network and Wi-Fi management, and the controls schools need for FERPA and CIPA. Higher tiers add 24/7 security monitoring, vCISO time and compliance documentation.
Do you support FERPA and CIPA?
Yes. We set up role-based access, MFA, encryption and logging for student records under FERPA, and configure and manage web filtering that meets CIPA, which schools need for E-Rate discounts.
What about California student privacy laws?
California adds the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) and AB 1584, which sets rules for contracts with vendors that handle student data. We help review vendor tools and keep the data-sharing documentation in order.
Is WCC an E-Rate service provider?
Yes. WCC is a registered E-Rate service provider for eligible Category 2 work such as cabling, switches and wireless access points. Districts and their E-Rate consultants handle the applications; we bid, install and document the work. See E-Rate.
Which school systems do you work with?
We work alongside the systems schools already use, such as PowerSchool, Aeries, Synergy, Canvas, Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft 365 and device management tools. We handle the network, identity, security and backup around them; the applications stay with your team or vendor.
Can schools buy through a contract vehicle?
Yes. California districts and colleges can buy through WCC's CMAS contract or OMNIA Partners. See contract vehicles.
How much does managed IT for a school cost?
Most schools pay $100 to $225 per staff user per month, depending on security level and support hours. Co-managed support alongside a district IT team usually costs less. See managed IT cost per user.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Talk to us about school IT
Tell us about your school or district. We'll review your environment against FERPA and CIPA and recommend a plan that fits your staff and budget.