Director's Update
What's Going On In Special Education In Bedford
The New Statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) Form
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I previously shared with you that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) form to be used in our schools and districts across the state beginning sometime over the next two years. Your child's special education team is committed to providing the best possible supports and services for your child's educational journey, and our use of the new IEP form is designed to enhance that commitment.
DESE believes that our use of the new statewide IEP form will offer several benefits to you and your child. Some of the key advantages include:
· Enhanced Collaboration: The form promotes better communication and collaboration between you, your child's teachers, and the IEP team. It encourages a better understanding of your child's unique needs, allowing for improved support strategies.
· More Clarity and Consistency: The revised form is designed to ensure clarity and consistency in the IEP process and in the implementation of state and federal requirements. This consistency will facilitate smoother transitions between grade levels, and it is particularly designed to help students with disabilities to transition to post-high school life.
· Comprehensive Documentation of the Program: The new IEP form offers a more detailed framework for documenting your child's progress, accommodations, and services. This will support better tracking of your child's achievements and provide valuable information for future evaluations and assessments.
On October 17, Caitlyn Queenin, Jane DelGobbo and Andrea Edmunds will attend a “Train the Trainer” professional development on the new IEP form. We’ll then meet as a team to develop a professional development plan for our special educators and parents.
Please feel free to reach out to your Special Education Program Administrator if you have any immediate questions or concerns regarding the implementation of the new statewide IEP form. We value our partnership in your child's education, and we look forward to working together to support your child’s educational needs.
For more information about the new statewide IEP form, please visit the state webpage at: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/improveiep
For general special education parent information, please visit: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents.html
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Warm regards,
Marianne
Parent Night- Alex Hirshburg
We had a great turnout for the parent presentation by Alex Hirshburg! It was a cold, rainy night, but so many people ventured out to hear what he had to say. We received so much positive feedback from those that did attend. His main message was that we need to teach our children to tolerate frustration and uncomfortableness. He explained that distress is a normal part of life and is really good for us. It forces us to figure out how to cope. He went on to explain that our goal as parents is to equip our children with the tools that they need to cope in difficult situations.
If you were not able to attend that evening, it was recorded. You can view the presentation here.
I am so pleased that Alex will continue to work with our social-emotional programs throughout the district this year.
Podcast
During his presentation, Alex Hirshburg touched on new data on children/teens and cell phone use. That same week, Lynn Lyons released a Fusterclux podcast on this subject. I highly recommend the episode to all parents, teachers, and administrators.
What You Must Know About Kids And The New Data On Smart Phones
Important Message for Families with Children Under Age 10 Diagnosed with An Autism Spectrum Disorder
DDS Autism Waiver Service Program (AWP) Open Interest Period 2023
Applications for the 2023 DDS Children's Autism Program Open Interest Period, are open now!
The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) administers the Children’s Autism Waiver Program (AWP) which provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavioral, social and communication challenges through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports). This service occurs in the child’s home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years. AWP also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child’s needs and help with the transition out of the intensive AWP until the child’s 10th birthday.
The 2023 Children’s Autism Waiver Open Request Period information and application forms will be available in September 2023. The 2023 open request period runs from October 16 through October 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted during this period only. Please check our website in September for information and application forms.
Information about this program in the following languages: Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, European Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole, Nepali, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese they can be found by clicking the link below.
DDS Autism Waiver Service Program (AWP) Open Interest Period 2023 | Mass.gov
Applications will continue to be accepted through regular mail and through email. Mailed applications will still be mailed to DDS Central Office at DDS Central Office, Attn: Children’s Autism Waiver Program, 1000 Washington St, Boston, Ma 02118.
Emailed applications will continue to go to the Autism Division’s email address at autismdivision@mass.gov.
Hand delivered applications will not be accepted
IMPORTANT: The 2023 open request period runs from October 16 through October 31, 202
DDS 101 All Year Long
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hosting several DDS information sessions over the next school year. The next sessions are:
Thursday. 1/11/24 at 5:30pm
Tuesday 4/2/24 at 9:00am
Wednesday 6/5/24 at 12:00pm
You can sign up by clicking the link on the attached flyer.
If you have questions, please contact Rebecca.Hogan@ Mass.gov
Special Education Parent Advisory Counsel (SEPAC)
SEPAC is a group of parents and caregivers of children receiving Bedford Special Education support. All are welcome!
We look forward to a great year of connecting, supporting and learning together!
Please join us Tuesday, October 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm for a SEPAC Social! Refreshments, Charcuterie & desserts! Meet other parents and caregivers. Mingle and share resources and ideas SEPAC can present to the schools and the town. Or just stop by to say hi and have some snacks - we’d love to see you! Hosted by SEPAC member Tara O’Loughlin. Please rsvp to taraoloughlin@gmail.com for address.
This year we will have a mixture of remote, hybrid and in-person meetings, event, socials and resource presentations. Please let us know what you would like to see more of this year!
Email: BedfordMASepac@gmail.com
Web: bedfordmasepac.org