Pupil Services
Department of Pupil Services
Mission Statement
The Simsbury Department of Pupil Services, in partnership with general educators, families, and members of the greater community, provides specialized instruction, anchored in meaningful relationships, to support passions and potential, and increase independence and achievement.
Specialized Programs
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Farmington Valley Transition Academy
Established in 2000, the Farmington Valley Transition Academy (FVTA) is a collaborative program between Farmington and Simsbury Public Schools. FVTA focuses on developing transition skills for students with developmental disabilities between the ages of 18-22.
In addition to serving the transition needs of Farmington and Simsbury students, Farmington Valley Transition Academy enrolls students from more than 10 surrounding districts.
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The New Path Program provides a small, supportive leanring environment where students are known, valued, and supported. Through individualized instruction, therapeutic supports, and meaningful opportunities to connect with their school community, students develop the skills and confidence they need for success- both in school and beyond.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Resources
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- Building Principals, Assistant Principals, Department Supervisors and Pupil Services staff are available to assist you with any questions.
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- National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
- Federation for Children with Special Needs
- Office for Civil Rights
- Center for Effective Collaboration (CECP) Supports collaboration at local, state and national levels to improve services for children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems
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- Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center CPAC is a statewide non-profit organization that offers information and support to parents/guardians of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them. The staff primarily consists of parents of children with disabilities who assist other parents in understanding how to participate more effectively in their children’s education.
- FAVOR A family advocacy organization for children's mental health
- The New England Assistive Technology Center (NEAT)
- State of Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities: The Office of Protection and Advocacy seeks to protect the rights and to advocate for people with disabilities by providing information, referral services, case advocacy services, abuse investigation, protective interventions and community development activities. (This program is Federally and State funded and services are, for the most part, free of charge)
- Statewide Legal Services
- Wrightslaw- Special Education Law: Thousands of articles, case studies and free resources about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
DISABILITIES
- Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN) (link currently unavailable)
- Brain Injury Association of CT (BIAC)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program
- Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC)
- Downs Syndrome (link currently unavailable)
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA)
- Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: This national non-profit organization publishes a newsletter for parents of children with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders offering current, authoritative information from experts and encouragement and practical guidance from parents.
- Speech and Hearing
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The following broadcasts are provided by
SEPTO Video - A First Responder Event for Families with Special Needs Children, June 2019
SEPTO Video - Transitions in Special Service, May 2016
SEPTO Video - The IEP Process, February 2016
SEPTO Video - Understanding the Special Services Team Approach, October 2015
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Get the Sparkler App!
Sparkler is a free app for families that can be used as a developmental screening tool for children ages 0-5. Sparkler is a source for activities to support child development and assists parents with making connections with professionals. Sparkler engages families to promote healthy early childhood development.
To Get started with Sparkler:
Download: If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, download Sparkler from the Google Play Store. If you use an iPhone or iPad, download Sparkler from the Apple App Store.
Register: Open the app and tap “Create a New Account.” Enter 1-6-0-0 as your provider key. Pick Family/Familia in the “Group” drop-down menu. Answer the questions to create an account for yourself and a profile for your child. You must enter your child’s birthday correctly because Sparkler assigns screenings and other content based on your child’s age. You’ll be asked for a “provider key” to link you with your school/provider. Please skip this step for now!
Questions? Please email Sparkler support. The Sparkler platform is also available in Spanish.
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