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Special Education Programs and Services

Stamford Public Schools offers a varierty of programming and services designed to meet the unique and individual needs of our students. Stamford Public Schools strives to provide appropriate educational programming in the least restricte environment for students ages3-22 under IDEA )individuals with Disabilities Education Act.) 

 

General Education Environment

Students with disabilities may be able to fully participate in general education while having their individual needs met through resource.

Inclusion/Co-Taught Throughout the District

Designed for students with educational disabilities who are able to access general education with minimal supports from the special education teacher. Progress towards meeting the general education standards are closely monitored. 

Learning Centers (ELA & Math) Middle and High Schools

English Language Arts & Math Learning Centers are designed to follow the district curriculum with the flexibility to meet the individual needs of a student through changes to pacing and modification of content. These classes equip students with the tools necessary to enter into a more independent style of learning.

Resource and Academic Support Middle and High Schools

These courses provide direct support to students, focusing on the continuous development of academic excellence as related to their individualized educational plans. Individual instruction is provided in areas executive functioning, self-advocacy, self-management an student-specific academic goals.

CORE - Creating Opportunities for Readiness and Exploration 

Designed for students that have challenges with intellectual functioning, social and daily living skills. CORE classroom have at least one teacher, three paraeducators and up to 10 students. Students are assigned to both their CORE classroom and a general education classroom in order to ensure growth and development in the areas of social pragmatics, participation in school activities and activities of daily living. Related service supports include BCBA, Speech and Language, Social Skills, Occupational and Physical Therapy, as well as, Art and Music Therapy.

CORE Learning Centers 

Similar to the CORE programs at elementary and middle schools. These courses are designed to develop, maintain and enhance basic skills in reading, math, science and writing, utilizing approaches adapted to meet individual needs. This program includes Speech and Language development and Social/Emotional skills. Students apply basic functional skills to everyday activities.  

ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Program 

This program is specifically designed for students who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students enrolled in these programs typically have difficulties with behavior, social skills and learning in a general education setting. The ASD classrooms focus on delivering instruction while utilizing ABA methodology with BCBA supervision. Classrooms have one teacher and up to four paraeducators. LEarning takes place in small groups with individual instruction. Data is taken to inform the team and help drive educational decision making. Related services can include BCBA, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Skills, Occupational and Physical Therapy, as well as, Art and Music Therapy.

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More 4 Schools 

This program currently services students that are medically fragile and require nursing care. Students require adaptive equipment, Augmentative and Assistive Technology in order to access the curriculum. Art and Music Therapy are provided to support the student’s ability to become connected to their environment. Students are assigned to a TEAM class and general education class to support inclusive opportunities and maintain relationships within the school community. 

REACH - Therapeutic Classrooms

This program focuses on students that have intensive social-emotional needs that prevent them from being successful in larger academic settings. Students  have problematic behaviors, trouble focusing on independent activities and appropriate peer interactions. Students in the REACH program receive five hours a week of BCBA consult and support from Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT). Students benefit from a whole class contingency management system in order to support the development of prosocial behaviors. Related services can include BCBA, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Skills, Occupational and Physical Therapy.

STS - Stamford Transition Services

Stamford Transition Services is a community-based transition program under Stamford Public Schools which is available to eligible young adults ages 18-22 with disabilities who have completed their high school academic requirements and are in need of developing functional skills in the three areas of transition: independent living, employability, and post-secondary education. Students who attend Stamford Transition services spend approximately 80% of their day with non-disabled peers both on immersive community trips and at various worksites developing skills and gaining real-world experiences. Stamford Transition Services provides students with individualized access to the acquisition of functional skills needed to live as independently as possible in their community as adults. Students are provided with direct instruction both in the program and in the community through experiential learning. 

 

Staff Contacts

Name Title Email Phone
Meghan Osowiecki  Director of Special Education for Specialized Programs

mosowiecki@stamfordct.gov

 

203-977-4853