Special Education

Special Education
2024-2025 School Year

TFM Final Report - June 2023

Parents Notice of Procedural Safeguards 


Information for Families

Special education within the Needham Public Schools encompasses a wide range of services for eligible students with disabilities, ages 3 – 22. In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, students identified as eligible for special education have an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) that is designed by a Team of individuals that includes district professionals, the parents/guardians, and the student, when appropriate. Each IEP is developed to meet the unique needs of the student and includes information of what services will be provided, where the services will be provided, and the goals set for the student. All programs and services are provided at no expense to parents.
The Needham Public Schools provide a wide range of specialized instruction that represents a continuum of service delivery options. In keeping with the federal mandate of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Teams will always consider providing specialized instruction in the general education classroom first. The vast majority of our special education students receive their specialized instruction within an inclusive environment, spending more than 80% of their day in the general education classroom. When the appropriate level of services requires instruction outside the general education classroom, the Team will consider other placement options, such as a Learning Center, a district program, or special education programs outside the Needham Public Schools in a state approved special education school.
District programs are developed when a cohort of students have similar needs of a more intensive nature. Throughout each level (preschool – post graduate programming at the high school), highly specialized programs exist for students with autism, language-based learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral challenges.
Special education is a highly regulated and complex process. The special educators work closely with families and encourage a collaborative relationship. In addition, the Needham Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) provides support to families through regularly scheduled meetings and parent networking. For more information about the SEPAC, you may visit https://www.needhamsepac.org/. 

Administrative Offices Located at:
Emery Grover Administration Building
1330 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492

Mary Lammi
Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services
781-455-0400 x11213
[email protected]

Stephanie Wyman
Executive Director of Special Education
[email protected]

Daniel Cohen
Preschool Director
[email protected] 

Patricia Mullen
Director of Special Education, 9-PG
[email protected]

Bonnie Swart
Out-of District Coordinator/ESY Coordinator
[email protected]

 
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