FRPS Special Education Programs
Mission:
The Fall River Special Education Department is committed to supporting the district in providing high-
quality educational experiences for all students. We strive to maximize the strengths and support the needs of students with disabilities to reach their full potential, gain independence, and contribute to their community. We value inclusiveness, relationships with families and staff, high expectations, and a positive learning environment.
Preschool Programs:
Overview: The Fall River Public Schools provide a continuum of preschool programming for children ages 3-5 with moderate to severe disabilities who require specially designed instruction and/or related services in order to participate in developmentally appropriate typical preschool activities.
Related services include but are not limited to speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, vision, and orientation & mobility.
Student profile:
● Children ages 3-5 who have a disability and have been found eligible for special education services.
Description:
● Programming:
○ Children who are 2 or 3 years away from entering kindergarten are enrolled in a half-day program.
○ Children in their year before entering kindergarten are enrolled in a full-day program.
○ Children who require only a related service(s) in a developmental area(s) such as communication or motor development may be offered walk-in services at the Early Childhood Center, the child’s neighborhood public school or in some instances the community-based early childhood program the child is currently attending. Parent consultation is also available to all students receiving walk-in services.
● Staffing:
○ Integrated - Integrated classrooms serve students with moderate disabilities who are able to
access the standard preschool curriculum with accommodations and/or modifications outlined
in their Individualized Education Plan and a moderate level of support.
■ Class size cannot exceed 20 students with 1 dual-licensed teacher and 2 paraprofessionals and have no more than 5 students with disabilities. If the class has 6 or 7 students with disabilities, the class size cannot exceed 15 students with 1 licensed teacher and 2 paraprofessionals.
○ Substantially Separate - Substantially separate preschool classrooms serve students with
severe disabilities who require a highly modified preschool curriculum and a high level of
support across multiple domains (i.e academics, communication, self-care, social skills etc)
■ Class size is limited to 9 students with 1 dual licensed teacher and 2 paraprofessionals.
○ All preschools classrooms have support from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as
well as access to consultation from Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language
Pathologists, and Physical Therapists.
● Curriculum
○ Preschool classrooms offer a nurturing, language-rich environment with a focus on play, social
skills, language development, fine/gross motor, and pre-academic skills. All programs follow
the MA Curriculum Frameworks and MA Guidelines for Preschool and Kindergarten Learning
Experiences.