Special Services

The mission of the Department of Special Services is to ensure that pupils who require special education will receive specially designed instruction of high quality, of an accelerated nature, and of sufficient intensity so that each pupil will have the opportunity to achieve to a high standard.

To this end, the Department of Special Services provides a variety of support services to Farmington students who need them and their families. Services may include special education, speech and language, school psychology, school social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, health services, gifted and talented support and tutoring for English Language Learners (ELLs).

Special education and general education faculty and staff members work closely together to foster learning environments that support students in their work toward attaining Farmington standards. Individual student needs are identified and programs planned through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). The PPT identifies students eligible to receive special education and designs Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). To the greatest extent possible, students participate in the general education curriculum with supports, services, and instruction designed to allow them to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in a variety of ways.

Parents are valued partners in the Planning and Placement Team process. The Farmington Public Schools believe that ongoing communication and collaboration between home and school are essential in developing shared expectations for students. Encouragement from both home and school is essential to helping students put forth the necessary effort to achieve their personal best.

Members of the Department of Special Services collaborate with the Town of Farmington Department of Social Services and with other outside agencies to provide additional resources for parents. The Connecticut State Department of Education’s Special Education Resource Center (SERC) and other web-based links provide valuable information for parents concerning special education in Connecticut. These agencies support both schools and families, offering a wide range of resources, including extensive opportunities for parent and teacher education.

If you have questions or need assistance related to the department, you may contact:
Wendy Shepard-Bannish, Director of Special Services at 860-677-1791 for further information.