The Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 2004 says that each child who has a disability and needs special education and related services will receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).  Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.  Related services are defined as transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. 

BPS Special Education services provide specially designed instruction and related services to eligible students with disabilities, in agreement with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 2004  and the Rhode Island Board of Education Regulations Governing the Education of Children with Disabilities, 2013. This manual is written as a resource to support district staff .  The focus is on the provision of service by administrators, teachers and support staff in the day-to-day implementation of programs.  It is designed to maintain continuity of practices and procedures across buildings, insure compliance and accountability, promote high quality programs and services and train new staff.  Yearly updates will be made as a result of revisions and changes in legal interpretations of special education regulations.