It is the responsibility of the Northbridge Public Schools to identify any child who is a resident of Northbridge, or who attends a private school in Northbridge who may have a disability. This includes students who are residents of Northbridge who are homeschooled.

It is also the responsibility of the Northbridge Public Schools to evaluate those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations), or who may be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

If you suspect that your school-aged child has a disability, you may request an evaluation, at no cost, at Northbridge Elementary School. 

The Northbridge Public Schools is committed to identifying children before their third birthday that may need special education services. If you have questions or concerns that your child under 3 may have a disability, please contact the Early Childhood Coordinator at Northbridge Elementary School:  jredding@nps.org or 508-234-8161 ext. 31109.

Families may contact the Early Childhood Coordinator for information about screening arrangements. jredding@nps.org 508-234-8161 ext. 31109

• Each child is screened by a speech and language pathologist and a preschool special education teacher.

• Screening reviews a child's development, including communication, learning, motor, social-emotional, and self-help skills, to help identify children who should be referred for a special education evaluation.

• A screening session usually lasts 30-45 minutes. Staff review the results and recommendations with the family afterward.

Screening is not a special education eligibility evaluation and does not determine eligibility.

Screening is not required before requesting an evaluation. 

Evaluation referrals are accepted year-round. If you suspect that your preschool or school-aged child has a disability, you may request an evaluation at no cost. Parents and individuals in caregiving or professional positions concerned about a child's development may make a referral. The district sends written notice seeking parental consent for an evaluation within five school days of receiving a referral, in accordance with Massachusetts requirements.