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Special Education

Special education services throughout the district address the needs of students with identified disabilities between the ages of three and twenty-two who require specialized instruction to access the curriculum. A wide range of services is provided to meet individual student needs, from academic intervention to related services such as counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Therapeutic services supporting social, emotional, and adjustment needs are available at all schools and grade levels.

Strong collaboration with general education staff is a key part of providing services in the most inclusive manner possible. Through consultation, collaboration, and professional development, both general and special education staff work together to support students in appropriate inclusive settings that benefit all learners.

Staff work closely with families to ensure that necessary services are identified and provided in accordance with applicable requirements. The district maintains a strong and positive relationship with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), benefiting the school system, students, and families.

Additional Information

Important Documents

Resources on Inclusion

Important Links

Child Find Notice

The Public Schools of Brookline must conduct Child Find activities for all students who may have a disability and who are living in or attending school in Brookline, ages 3–21. Child Find must be conducted regardless of whether students attend public or private schools or are homeschooled. It is also the responsibility of the Public Schools of Brookline to evaluate students to determine whether they are eligible for special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations), or whether they may be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

For School-Aged Children (Age 5+)

If you suspect that your school-aged child has a disability, you may request an evaluation at no cost through your neighborhood school. Please contact the respective special education director at your neighborhood school for information about referring your child. You may also contact the Office of Student Services at 617-730-2444.

For Preschool-Aged Children (0–3 Years Old)

The Public Schools of Brookline is committed to identifying children before their third birthday who may need special education services. If you have questions or concerns that your child under age 3 may have a disability, please contact the Brookline Early Education Program at 617-730-5471.

PDF Version of Child Find Notice

Programs and Services

Special education programs and services in Brookline are designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive setting, meaning that regular education classrooms have the appropriate aids and support, alongside non-disabled peers as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Brookline offers several programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities; related services are also provided. The professional staff that delivers special education services are certified and trained to work with a wide range of students with specific disabilities. When the nature and/or severity of the student’s disability is such that the neighborhood school programs/services would not meet the student’s needs, consideration is given to district-wide programs, and then to collaborative and out-of-district placements.

Through IEP team meetings, families and school staff participate in determining and making all decisions regarding special education services. Recommended programs and services are made with parent involvement, allowing students to receive services in any composite program designed individually and drawing from our comprehensive resources.

Program Objectives

  • To provide services for identified students with disabilities in compliance with state and federal mandates.
  • To support the identification of students with disabilities and to determine eligibility and the need for specially designed instruction and/or related services.
  • To provide a continuum of inclusive programs and services designed to meet the needs of students.
  • To adjust and refine the implemented system of special education service management.
  • To provide professional development opportunities and training to regular and special education staff regarding practices, compliances, and regulatory matters.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a district philosophy of Brookline Public Schools focused on educating each student to the maximum extent appropriate within the least restrictive environment while acknowledging the need for a continuum of specially designed instruction, supports, services, and placements. All students within Brookline have a right to a challenging education enabling them to make effective educational progress alongside their peers. Specially designed instruction and related services are provided within the general education setting with the use of supplementary aids and services whenever appropriate with the constant goal being that each student will demonstrate effective educational progress. The philosophy of inclusion is supported within the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 that requires students with disabilities to be educated in the “least restrictive environment” appropriate to meet their “unique needs” while identifying the need for a continuum of placement options.

Within the Public Schools of Brookline successful inclusion depends on each educator’s responsiveness to individual student needs within flexible learning environments. The need for flexibility within instructional presentations, curriculum materials and demonstrations of student achievement is recognized. Practices and procedures support high expectations for individual achievement and acknowledge that best practice for students with disabilities benefits all students. A continuum of services is available in each school and throughout the district where general education teachers and special educators share responsibility for all students.

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