MEC - Programs for Students with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

The Merrimack Special Education Collaborative's PDD program currently provides services for children between the ages of 3-21. The William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center, located at 60 Carlisle Street, Chelmsford, MA currently provides services for children from the ages of 3-10 years old in our beautiful, renovated turn of the century schoolhouse. The classrooms are large, bright spaces, and the bathrooms are equipped with child-size fixtures. There are two gross motor rooms equipped with suspended equipment, as well as ample area for obstacle courses and bike riding. An adjoining outdoor playground provides opportunities for physical and social development. Two separate "Quiet Rooms" are available for students requiring removal from classrooms.

The Merrimack Special Education Collaborative also has classrooms for PDD students in public school buildings, as MSEC is dedicated to providing services to our special education students in the least restrictive setting. A range of service delivery techniques are offered to accommodate the needs of our students, with the opportunity as the student improves to move into a less restrictive environment.

The education services provided are eclectic in nature, and based on best practices to meet the complex set of developmental disabilities associated with autism spectrum disorders. The program’s goal is to serve the whole child by providing a rich, meaningful learning experience through structured activities at their individual level of readiness. Assessment guides individual student goals and objectives, which addresses all developmental domains and are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

MSEC programs for students with PDD include:

PDD Preschools
Specialized, full-day language-based classrooms, with a 6-week extended year summer component are for children on the Autism Spectrum, who may benefit from intensive staff to student ratio and support. The thematic-based preschool curriculum utilizes an eclectic teaching approach, based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques, discrete trial training, task analysis, floor time and relationship development intervention, theory of mind, positive behavioral support, and total communication techniques. Fully trained teaching assistants, licensed and certified special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and music therapists provide an integrated therapy approach. A Home-Trainer is available for in-home support for parents.

Location:
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street, Chelmsford, MA
Location:
Peter Fitzpatrick School
45 Main Street, Pepperell, MA
Age/Grade Range:
Ages 3 - 5/Preschool
Hours:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday thru Friday
School Year:
September through June plus 6-week summer program
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

PDD Primary Class
These classrooms are designed for elementary aged students who require adult intervention. These students benefit from a total communication approach utilizing augmentative communication, applied behavior analysis, including discrete trials, positive behavior modification, as well as Floor Time techniques. The curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and music therapists provide an integrated education approach.

Age/Grade Range:
Ages 5 - 7/Grades K - 2
Location:
Heath Brook Elementary School, 165 Shawsheen Street, Tewksbury
Hours:
8:45 am - 2:30 pm, Monday thru Friday
School Year:
August through June plus 6-week summer program
Additional Services:
Speech, physical, and occupational therapies, behavioral consultation, augmentative communication services, and nursing services are provided as needed in each classroom.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

Self-Contained PDD Primary
These classrooms are designed for elementary aged children diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, and behavior and emotional disorders that require a 12 month program with intensive, specialized services. The program addresses functional communication and academics, which are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, as well as adaptive skills that successfully compete with challenging behaviors. Fully trained teaching assistants, licensed and certified special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and music therapists provide an integrated therapy approach. In-home parent instruction is also available to partner with families for collaboration, support, and training.

Location:
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street, Chelmsford, MA
Age/Grade Range:
Ages 5 - 8/Grades K - 3
Hours:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday thru Friday
School Year:
September through June plus 6-week summer program
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

PDD Intermediate with Integration
This classroom is designed for elementary school aged students with Pervasive Development Disorder. The class uses a functional academic and language-based approach while integrating assistive technology. Specialized behavior management programs are designed to teach each student adaptive behaviors. Positive behavior modification techniques are used to replace undesirable behaviors. The students are provided an integrated education approach with a team of assistant teachers and licensed and certified special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists (as needed), and music therapists.

Age/Grade Range:
Ages 8 - 11/Grades 3 - 5
Location:
Tyngsboro Elementary School, 205 Westford Road, Tyngsboro
Hours:
8:30 am - 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
August through June plus 6-week summer program
Additional Services:
Speech, physical, and occupational therapies, behavioral consultation, augmentative communication services, and nursing services are provided as needed in each classroom.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

PDD Middle School
This classroom is designed for middle school aged students with Pervasive Development Disorder. The class uses a functional academic and language-based approach while integrating assistive technology. Specialized behavior management programs are designed to teach each student adaptive behaviors. Positive behavior modification techniques are used to replace undesirable behaviors. Assistant teachers, and licensed and certified special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists (as needed), and music therapists provide an integrated education approach.

Age/Grade Range:
Ages 11 - 14/Grades 6 - 8
Location:
Tyngsboro Middle School, 50 Norris Road, Tyngsboro
Hours:
8:15 am - 2:15 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
August through June plus 6-week summer program
Additional Services:
Speech, physical, and occupational therapies, behavioral consultation, augmentative communication services, and nursing services are provided as needed in each classroom.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

Partners in Advancing Children’s Education (PACE)
PACE provides intensive home-based services to children who demonstrate difficulties with communication, socialization, and/or sensory integration. PACE educators have college degrees with training in Pervasive Developmental Disorder, behavior management, expanding student skills in communication, social interactions, play skills, and/or academics. If the child attends school, the PACE educator will conduct a one-hour school visit each week in addition to the number of contracted home hours. Some training may also occur in community settings. Teaching techniques vary according to the needs of the child, but may include one or more of a combination of the following: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Theory of Mind training, Applied Behavior Analysis discrete trials, Positive Behavior Support, and Floor Time techniques.

School Year:
Flexible (School year and 6-week summer session available)
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673

Home-School Facilitator Program
The goal of the Home-School Trainer program is to provide comprehensive support, education, and encouragement to families of children with special needs. The emphasis is on implementing the child’s individual education curriculum into the home, as well as helping families cope with issues specific to home. Curriculum areas that may be addressed include: language/communication skills, behavioral issues, activities of daily living, social/emotional skills, gross and fine motor skills, and sensory issues. The Home-School Trainer is a member of the child’s educational team, and works closely with his/her school team in assisting the family.

School Year:
Flexible (School year and 6-week summer session available)
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
PDD Program Manager
William H. Flaherty Early Childhood Center
60 Carlisle Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-452-6673