Where does SEIS, a program of ESE, take place?

There are over 500 special education students in more than 80 institutional settings across Massachusetts, all of whom have the right to a quality education. But aside from the fact that they all have an individualized education plan (IEP), there could not be a more diverse student population.

These students range from students with serious medical conditions, who may reside at the Massachusetts Hospital School until they reach 22 years, to young adults ordered into the County Houses of Correction for the next 21 days. Other students have been placed into the care of the Department of Youth Services, or the Department of Mental Health.

Program Settings

Through the SEIS Program, ESE ensures that special education services are provided to eligible students residing in host agency facilities. To the extent that resources allow, SEIS provides the special education services designated on the students' IEPs. The school districts responsible for the students must provide any special education services that SEIS does not provide. The students' school districts retain sole responsibility for evaluating, developing, and issuing an IEP and providing the notices associated with the mandated procedural safeguards. Additionally, in certain DMH and DPH facilities, SEIS provides a full day general education program to students.

Department of Public Health (DPH)

ESE provides special education services to eligible students ages 5 through 21 at the Massachusetts Hospital School (MHS) operated by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

County Houses of Correction (CHC)

ESE provides special education services to eligible students with disabilities up to 22 years who are incarcerated in thirteen of the Commonwealth's County Houses of Correction operated under the jurisdiction of a sheriff.

Department of Youth Services (DYS)

The SEIS Program provides special education services to eligible youths in DYS facilities. The students' local school districts retain responsibility for evaluating, developing, and issuing an IEP and providing the notices associated with the mandated procedural safeguards. The DYS program and SEIS staff may assist the student's school district in the evaluation process upon request and subject to resource availability. SEIS special education teachers work in conjunction with the DYS general education teachers to provide special education services and promote inclusion.

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

The SEIS Program provides an educational program, including special education services for eligible students in designated DMH facilities. Through a variety of program models with some integration of clinical supportive services, SEIS provides special education services and seeks to assist students to maintain progress in the general education curriculum. As appropriate, SEIS works with the local school districts to enable the student to receive academic credit from the school district for coursework completed while in the DMH program. SEIS programs in ten DMH facilities provide a full day general education program with a wide range of curricula.