Programs and Services

  • Children with disabilities (ages 3 to 21) are provided a variety of programs and services through the Special Education Department.
    Programs

    Birth to Age 3 
    Special Services works with local area agencies to provide early support services to children ages birth through 2 years. Before the child's third birthday, the Everett Public Schools Special Services Early Childhood Facilitator works with agencies who evaluate each child suspected of having a disability and determine whether or not the child is eligible for special education services. If eligible, an IEP is developed and the child receives specially designed instruction in a special education program that meets the child's needs.
     
    Child Find 
    Everett Public Schools has established an ongoing Child Find system to locate, identify and evaluate students who are suspected of having a disability. All referrals are made to our Special Services office. Birth to age 3 referrals are directed to our Special Education Early Childhood Facilitator. Preschool referrals are directed to the Special Services office.
     
    Developmental Preschool
    Sometimes children need special education services before they enter kindergarten because they have a disability impacting their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities. These children may receive services in a developmental preschool program. Everett Public Schools has 11 pre-school sessions serving more than 250 students.  We also partner with ECEAP to provide inclusive preschool experience at Lowell and Hawthorne. 
     
    Developmental Kindergarten
    Developmental kindergarten is for students with developmental delays and with moderate to severe cognitive, academic and adaptive delays, who may require communication and/or motor therapy. These students may access a pre-kindergarten curriculum or may progress with the typical kindergarten curriculum but with accommodations and/or modifications.
     
    Resource Program
    The Resource Program is a service for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), health impairment, and mild social/emotional behavioral deficits. The Resource Room provides students with specially designed instruction to be successful in general education classrooms. These programs are available at every school in the Everett Public Schools.
     
    Extended Resource Program
    The Extended Resource Program is a service for students who have mild to moderate delays in general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior. The students in the Extended Resource Program, based on their needs, receive transportation from their homes to their schools if they require special transportation. 
     
    Life Skills Program
    The Life Skills Program is a service for students with significant cognitive and academic delays, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior. These programs are for students who will likely need a life-skills or functional approach to academic instruction. The students who are assigned to the programs, based on their needs, receive transportation from their homes to the schools.
     
    Achieve
    Achieve is a positive behavior support program that provides students with strategies to develop self-regulation and social competence.  These classrooms are designed for students who need support in learning behavioral controls so that they can access learning opportunities. Each student has a Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan. Classes are structured so that teachers can work individually with each child's particular needs in this area. Typically, students receive special transportation if it is indicated on the IEP. 
     
    Gaining Ownership of Adult Lives (GOAL); an 18-21 Transition Program
    The GOAL Program is designed to be a link between high school and adult life. It is a transition program that provides a sequence of school-based experiences and training to assist a trainee with special needs to become more self-reliant and independent. GOAL is not for students who need a full-time academic program. Students who enter the GOAL Program usually have completed most of their high school requirements. Everett Public Schools has three classrooms for GOAL.  1. Sequoia High School, 2.  Everett Senior Center-Volunteers of America and 3. Providence Hospital-Project Search. 
     
    Students Transitioning Responsibly into Vocational Experiences (STRIVE); an 18-21 Transition Program
    The STRIVE Program is designed to be a link between high school and adult life. As with GOAL, it is a transition program that provides a sequence of school-based experiences and training to assist a trainee with special needs to become more self-reliant and independent. STRIVE is not a place for students who need a full-time academic program. Students who enter the STRIVE program usually have completed most of their high school requirements. 
     
    Out-of-District Placements
    For some students whose needs are more specialized, placement in schools or programs that are not in our district is provided.
     
    Occupational and/or Physical Therapy
    Some students require physical and/or occupational therapy to be able to benefit from their learning. These services are offered at every school in the district by an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. Occupational and Physical Therapists also serve as consultants to families and staff and provide a link between the medical and educational communities. Available at all schools.
     
    Speech/Language Therapy
    Some students qualify for specially designed instruction in the areas of speech and/or language. These services are offered at every school by a Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP). Available at all schools.
     
    School Psychologists
    Each school has a School Psychologist who works with teachers, special education providers and parents to provide a range of services for students. They may assist in the evaluation of students or serve as consultants to teachers, families and other professionals regarding behavioral and/or academic interventions. As needed, they may refer families to community health care sources for additional assistance. Available at all schools.
     
    Educational Audiologist
    The Educational Audiologist is available to support children with hearing impairment through audiological consultation and training of staff, students and families. He/she assists in the determination of the need for and fitting/servicing of equipment and other related Assistive Technology. In addition, the Educational Audiologist administers the state-mandated hearing screening program for Everett Public Schools. Available at all schools.
     
    Teacher of Deaf and Hearing Impaired
    The Teacher of Deaf and Hearing Impaired provides services to children who are deaf or hearing impaired and qualify for specially designed instruction in listening, communication, academics and/or self-advocacy. Students are provided with specialized instruction to enhance student independence, academic, social, and communication skills. Services include, but are not limited to, small group and individualized support in a variety of school settings. Available at all schools.
     
    Vision Specialist
    The Vision Impaired Specialist works with children who have a vision impairment to provide them with appropriate instruction and accommodations. Services include: vision assessments, Braille instruction, technologies for the blind, orientation and mobility, and consultation and support services for students with visual impairments. Available at all schools.
     
    Assistive Technology Team
    The district has an Assistive Technology team to work with students, staff and families to evaluate, obtain and provide training for the use of assistive technology. Available at all schools by appointment.