Parent Handbook

If a child's current program is deemed the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for them to receive services, a teacher or therapist will be assigned to them. That person will arrange a schedule of services at your child's community program (ex: daycare, Head Start, Wonder Years, preschool, etc.) or at home. Please be aware that the student will need to separate from their parents to work with the teacher.

LEAD Academy was born from the knowledge that "children learn best from other children." Children accepted into LEAD Academy are invited to attend the ECSE program as role models who demonstrate well-developed social, communication, play, and behavior skills. Children must be toilet trained and test in the 40th percentile or higher on the DIAL-4 developmental screening administered by Parents As Teachers.  

Our primary goal is to provide your child with a high-quality preschool experience. In order to achieve that goal, your involvement as a parent is actively encouraged. We recognize and appreciate your trust and confidence in us and offer you the opportunity to share the joys of learning to play and work in the school setting. Being a child is all about laughter, hugs, sharing, and discovery. Your participation as a partner in your child's learning will be a positive experience for all of us. A strong partnership between Springfield Public Schools Early Childhood department and parents is of primary importance to your child's healthy development.

A key factor in this partnership is communication. Teachers will communicate with parents through notes, newsletters, phone calls, and parent/teacher conferences. We encourage you to regularly touch base with your child's teachers and therapists. Parent involvement at home will serve to strengthen our program. We invite you to find meaningful opportunities to continue your child's education at home. If you have a question or concern about your child or the program, we encourage you to contact your child's teacher, one of our social workers or counselors, or the school principal to address your concerns.

ECSE

Classroom placements in Early Childhood Special Education are an administrative decision.  Placements are prioritized by the educational needs of the student as well as their age. Morning placements are typically given to younger students, and afternoon placements are given to students who are less than a year away from starting kindergarten in order to allow them to become accustomed to a longer school day. We also consider geographical location when making placement decisions. Our goal is that students spend the minimum amount of time being transported to and from school. While we adhere to these guidelines for placing students in ECSE classrooms, our primary consideration is what will be best for each child.  

As we prepare for each school year, we want to inform you that your child may be assigned to a different classroom or school building in their second or third school year in the ECSE program.  These decisions are made with careful consideration of various factors, including but not limited to class sizes and transportation times.  We understand that change can be challenging, but please rest assured that we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing the best possible educational experience for your child. 

Wonder Years

Building and classroom assignments for Wonder Years students are an administrative decision.  Parents of students who qualify for Wonder Years will be given an opportunity to share their preferred locations but final placement decisions will be made by the Early Childhood department.  We do our best to accommodate parent choices but not everyone can be placed in their preferred location.