Student Services and Special Education

 

 Director

Mary Donnelly, Director of Student Services & Special Education
Administrative Offices
90 Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360

860-823-6284 x114
mdonnelly@norwichpublicschools.org

   
Services

Every child has the right to a free, appropriate public education.

Special Education is provided to a child, between the ages of 3 and 21 with an identified disability who needs a specially designed instructional program to meet his or her unique needs and to enable the child to access the general education curriculum of the school district. A student identified as a possible candidate for Special Education or Related Services in the Norwich Public Schools is referred to a child study team and, if appropriate, to a multi-disciplinary Planning and Placement Team.

When recommended by a Planning and Placement Team, and with parental permission, certified and/or licensed professional staff members provide special education instruction and related services to Norwich students. Involved personnel may include the Director of Student Services and Special Education, special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, school social workers, guidance counselors and para educators.

Parents are valuable partners in planning, evaluating and implementing their child’s program, as well as throughout their child’s educational career. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and take part in all aspects of their child’s education.
   
Events View our upcoming events
   
Resources Steps to Protect a Child's Right to Special Education
  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
  Helpful Resources for Families
  Helpful Resources for Families - Spanish
  NIMH Publications
  North Region Fall Family Forums 2009
  South Region Fall Forums 2009 
   
 

CHILD FIND

In accordance with federal regulations, Norwich Public Schools assumes the responsibility for the location, identification and evaluation of all children with a disability residing in Norwich, whether or not they attend a public school.

This includes any child residing within the district who is suspected of having a disability including children who are:

  • Age 3-5 (Birth to three years are located and identified by the State of CT Birth-To-Three System)
  • Private School Attendees: Children enrolled in private or parochial schools by their parents
  • Highly Mobile
  • Homeless
  • Migrant or Immigrant Families

Please contact The Department of Student Services and Special Education at (860) 823-6284 x114 should you require more information.