Services for Children with Special Needs

The EMSB ensures the success of children with special needs through a variety of programs, services, and support structures designed to meet their unique requirements. Here are the key ways the EMSB supports these students:

1. Specialized Programs
Self-Contained Classes: The EMSB offers specialized classes that cater specifically to students with different levels of cognitive, physical, and emotional needs. These classes provide tailored instruction in smaller groups with individualized attention.
Alternative Schooling: The EMSB operates alternative schools that provide a flexible and nurturing environment for students who may not thrive in traditional settings.

2. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Each child with special needs is provided with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is developed by a team of educators, specialists, and parents. The IEP outlines the specific accommodations, modifications, and goals to ensure the student’s educational success.

3. Support Staff and Specialists
The EMSB employs specialized staff such as resource teachers, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists who work directly with students to address their individual challenges.
Child Care Workers (CCWs) and Special Education Technicians (SETs) assist teachers in supporting students with more complex needs in the classroom, offering hands-on help with learning and social development.

4. Inclusive Education Approach
The EMSB promotes an inclusive education system that integrates students with special needs into mainstream classrooms wherever possible. This approach fosters peer interactions and supports the social integration of these students, while still providing them with the specialized help they require.

5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Programs
The EMSB has specific programs for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These include specialized classes, early intervention, and support programs that focus on communication, social interaction, and sensory needs.

6. Assistive Technology
Students with special needs have access to assistive technology, such as tablets, computers, and specialized software, which helps them communicate, learn, and engage with the curriculum in ways that suit their abilities.

7. Collaboration with External Resources
The EMSB partners with external organizations and mental health services, such as the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, to ensure that students with special needs receive comprehensive care beyond just academic support.

8. Professional Development for Staff
Teachers and support staff receive ongoing training and professional development to better understand and address the needs of students with various disabilities and learning challenges. This ensures that educators are well-equipped to implement the best strategies for supporting special needs students.

9. Parent Engagement and Communication
The EMSB works closely with parents through regular communication, consultations, and inclusion in the decision-making process regarding their child’s education. Parent-teacher meetings, involvement in governing boards, and collaborative planning of IEPs ensure parents are integral to their child’s success.
By offering a combination of specialized programs, professional support, inclusive education, and strong parent collaboration, the EMSB is dedicated to ensuring that every child with special needs has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.