Special Education

Special Education Department Information

Office Location: 

Billerica Memorial High School - 35 River Street, Billerica, MA 01821

978.528.8591 - Phone

978.436.9412 - Fax

Welcome to Billerica's Special Education Department. The Billerica Public Schools provide services for students from ages 3 to 22  with special needs in accordance with the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and state (603 CMR 28.00) regulations. 

Billerica Public Schools provides a continuum of special education services for students based on individual needs and Team recommendations. The Team, which includes parents/guardians, is responsible for developing an IEP that provides students with services and supports reasonably calculated to enable the student to progress from grade to grade.  In order to provide the highest quality education and set high expectations for all students, input from staff,   parents, and students over the age of 14  is considered in developing programming.

These services may include, but are not limited to, specially designed instruction for reading, writing, and math,  and/or related services such as speech/language, occupational therapy, behavior, counseling, social skills, and physical therapy.  Students are provided their services in a range of placement options, but we always begin with our obligation to place students in the least restrictive environment.  Depending on the extent of a student’s services, they may be placed in settings that range from full inclusion to school based sub-separate classrooms to out of district placements. 

Before, during and after the IEP process, we welcome questions from families and staff.  Often parents/guardians have questions regarding:

Students that are already receiving special education services are assigned a District Contact Person (DCP) that is identified on the student’s IEP. The contact person is always happy to address parent questions or direct you to the appropriate person to help you. For parents wanting to learn more about the special education process, you should feel free to contact the Team Chairperson assigned to your child’s school or contact the special education office.

BPS Special Education Continuum of Services and Programs

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

The BillericaPAC for Special Education is a parent-led council that offers support and information for families of special needs

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/BillericaPAC

PAC  email address: billericapac@gmail.com

Special Education Department Contacts

Administration

Department Support Staff

Jennifer Elderkin - Department Secretary - 978.528.8591

Joyce Haywood - Records Secretary - 978.528.8594

Carol Shaughnessey - Trans/Fin Secretary - 978.528.8593

Out-of-District Staff

BethAnne Frechette - OOD Coordinator - 978.528.7937