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Special-education advisory committee outlines pre-K reorganization and expanded services for ages 18–22
Summary
Committee reported a multi-year plan to reorganize pre-K services (phasing in 4-year-olds first) and to expand post‑secondary transition programming for students up to age 22; Bridge program staffing and parent-education groups were also reported.
The Sanford School Committee heard a detailed update on special-education work that included a proposed pre-K reorganization and a focus on services for 18–22-year-olds.
The Special Education Advisory Committee presented two primary initiatives: a reorganization of pre-K services for 3–5‑year‑olds that would allow the district to take over child‑find responsibilities from CDS and phase in four‑year‑old programming first, and expanded programming and transition planning for students who will remain eligible for school services through age 22.
"The development of 3‑to‑5‑year‑old program met several times last year, and we really looked at the new law and understanding what that means for the district," the committee report said. The committee noted that CVS will remain involved with child‑find and funding until 2028 and recommended a roadmap that includes identifying space, staff and service providers.
Special-education director Stacy Bissol described the Bridge program's expansion: elementary classroom staffing currently serves six students with one teacher and one educational technician; the high-school Bridge roster counts 26 enrolled, with 23 attending daily. Bissol said the program is now a 1–12 model and that staff have emphasized a "code of cooperation," parent‑education groups and an October open house so families can see student work and program aims.
Bissol said the district plans to offer parent-education nights tied to student learning goals (for example, conflict resolution and executive-functioning skills), aiming to align language and supports across home and school. She also described staff professional development on neurocognitive development and IEP practices tailored to self-contained day-treatment style programs.
Committee members were briefed on next steps, including subcommittee meetings and an Oct. 15 follow-up for the 18–22 programming work.
The update was presented for information and planning; the committee did not take formal action to adopt program changes at Monday's meeting.
