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  • PROGRAMS & SERVICES OFFERED

  • The Dedham Public Schools offer a range of programs and services from preschool to age 22.  Each of Dedham's seven schools provides special education services and supports in general education classrooms, as well as in small group "pull-out" settings.  

    • In a general education inclusive model, a special  educator, or related service provider, provides direct instruction to students in the general  education environment for all or part of the school day.
    • In a "pull-out" model, a special  educator, or related service provider, provides direct teaching instruction outside the general  education setting.

    In addition, a number of district-wide specialized programs are located at specific schools to provide services for students with moderate to severe special needs. This range of programming creates a continuum of services within each school and grade level, so that we can help avoid the need for students to transfer to another school during their elementary experience.

    All in-district programs provide students  with opportunities for interaction with typically developing peers. All programs emphasize skill  development and skill remediation along with the development of self-advocacy skills for greater  independence and responsibility for learning. 

General Definitions

  • Inclusive Programming

  • Co-Teaching

  • Specialized Programming

  • Related Services

Program Overviews & Links to Learn More

  •  ECEC Logo

    Early Childhood Services

    Dedham's Early Childhood Education Center offers a continuum of options to address students' presenting and sometimes changing needs. (PreK - K)

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  •  Greenlodge logo

    S.T.A.R. (Specialized Teaching and Readiness)

    The S.T.A.R. Program at the Greenlodge School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. This program offers robust systematic and structured behavioral teaching approaches, complementing academic instruction, social pragmatic and social emotional support. (Grades 1-5)

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  •  Riverdale Logo

    ACCESS

    The Access Program prepares students for a successful elementary experiences by addressing moderate language-based learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, and communication disorders. (Grades 1-5)

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  •  Avery logo

    The Team Based Learning Center

    The Team Based Learning Center (T.B.L.) offers a therapeutic model to students who have social/emotional/behavioral challenges that can interfere with academic progress. These challenges can impact a student’s self-esteem, requiring a supportive learning environment that focuses on identifying each student’s strengths and developing coping strategies to overcome obstacles. (Grades 1-5)

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  •  DMS Logo

    Connections I

    The Connections Program at Dedham Middle School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. This program offers robust systematic and structured behavioral teaching approaches, complementing academic instruction, social pragmatic and social emotional support. (Grades 6-8)

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  • Pathways

    Students participating in Pathways have complex learning profiles across a variety of domains, including but not limited to moderate language and learning difficulties, social emotional challenges, and communication disorders.

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  •  DMS Logo

    The Team-Based Learning Center

    The Team Based Learning Center (T.B.L.) offers a therapeutic model to students who have social/emotional/behavioral challenges that can interfere with academic progress. All students in the TBL program are capable of performing grade level work and are capable of working towards a high school diploma. (Grades 6-8)

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  •  DHS logo

    Connections II

    The Connections Program at Dedham High School provides intensive support and instruction for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disabilities and related disorders. Based on a student’s age and ability, the Connections program is designed to teach social, academic, behavioral and community life skills. For some, programming includes a functional academic curriculum, while others follow a grade level curricula. (Grades 9-12)

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  •  DHS logo

    Bridges

    Students participating in Bridges have complex learning profiles, including but not limited to language-based learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, and communication disorders. (Grades 9-12)

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  •  DHS logo

    The Alternative Program (ALT)

    The ALT program at Dedham High School promotes success for students with a significant history of social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties impacting learning and educational progress. (Grades 9-12)

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  •  dedham logo

    Secondary Transition Services

    Complementing a rigorous academic program in all schools and at all levels, students with special needs receive comprehensive transitional services beginning at age 14. Opportunities for real world experience and community involvement help students gain knowledge and confidence for making future decisions. Services provided encompass many different aspects, all designed to support students in considering post-secondary education, training, and/or employment.

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  •  Dedham logo

    LifeSTART

    A Continuing Studies Program Serving special education students, ages 18-22. The LifeStart Program offers comprehensive programming that addresses eight specific domains of adulthood: Employability, Health & Wellness, Communication, Citizenship, Core Academic Skills, Household Management, Post Secondary Planning, Self Determination & Self Management.

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