For Parents

My child eats a very narrow range of foods. How is lunchtime handled?
Special diets, allergies, sensory and motor issues are among the factors that make lunchtime a challenge for all our students. Students eat in appropriately sized groups and are treated and supervised by teachers, therapists, and other educational staff.

My 7-year-old child is not yet toilet trained. Is this a problem?
Toilet training is a common need for students with developmental disabilities. We work closely with families and outside consultants to help students achieve this milestone.

My son takes medication during the school day. How does the staff handle that?
A consistent medication regime is important for many of our students. We have trained staff in each unit who administer medications as part of Individual Health Care Plans developed by each student’s physicians.

My daughter is high-functioning and highly intelligent. Will she be challenged?
The team approach we use features small class size, related service therapies, and a controlled environment for all students. These strategies allow us to modify curriculum and individualize instruction across a wide range of ability levels.

How does the staff handle tantrums?
Our collaborative team model, small teacher to pupil ratio, and student-centered approach allow us to proactively avoid many of the situations that lead to acting out. By monitoring each student closely we can anticipate stressors and manipulate the environment for more positive outcomes.

What if there is a medical emergency concerning my child?
Trained school personnel administer routine first-aid. Emergency Care Plans provide us with specialized instructions for treating individual health concerns. Local responders are summoned in the case of a crisis.

How many kids are in a typical class?
Throughout our school, the staff to student ratio is 2:1. In our Lower School, 1:1 therapy is offered when it is determined to be in the best educational interest of the child, but small group activities are included because they provide opportunities for socialization. Overall ratios increase for older students but do not exceed 2.5:1 at any level.

My child needs to be physically active every day. How is physical activity integrated into the learning environment?
We are acutely aware of the sensory and motor needs of our students. Over stimulation and under arousal are accommodated with environmental modifications, therapeutic activities, and adaptive equipment. Where appropriate, we help students develop strategies for self-regulation.

I want to enroll my child in The Foundation School, but we cannot afford the tuition. What recourse do I have?
Parents wishing to enroll their child in the Foundation School are advised to work with their school system to explore placement options. Contact information for agencies that support families in this process can be found in the Resources section.

How will my child get to The Foundation School?
Districts provide door-to-door transportation for most students but some parents opt to drive their children. Transportation arrangements are based on individual student needs. We will work with providers and families to identify and address transportation and related safety issues.