The Cambridge Public Schools' Special Start's Integrated Pre-School classrooms were developed to provide learning experiences for children ages three to five whose special education needs cannot be served at home, preschool programs or daycare centers. Children are educated with typically developing peers who do not have special needs and who serve as role models for learning. Placement in our integrated classrooms is through either the team evaluation process, leading to the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or the annual Application Process for the typical learners.

Our classrooms provide a stimulating, innovative, and rich curriculum which follows the Massachusetts Department of Education's Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences. Adaptations and modifications are made to the curriculum where necessary to ensure each child's success. Many of our classrooms have met the "Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs, the standards for accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAECP,) as well as the "Guidelines for Appropriate Curriculum Content and Assessment in Programs," through the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.)

Our classrooms are staffed by certified, Masters' level special education teachers, along with teaching assistants. Related services of Speech and Language, Behavioral, Occupational, and Physical therapies are integral parts of our classrooms. Children who have special needs receive their services predominantly within the classroom in this inclusionary model.

We believe successful integration of children with disabilities is a full team responsibility that draws on the parents' knowledge of how their child learns, along with the specific areas of expertise of preschool team members. The success of this model also requires continuous collaboration in a climate of mutual respect, cooperation and shared responsibility among all involved. We are very committed to communication and partnership with families in order to optimize the child's growth and development in all areas.

For more information about our classrooms, please call 617-349-3251.