The Belmont Charter Network Schools follows the legislation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. IDEA is the federal law that assures that special needs students have access to an appropriate education.
The Belmont Charter Network Schools provides (without cost to parents) screenings, evaluations, and appropriate programs for students who require these services. The Child Find Annual Notice is a federally-mandated annual notice describing this obligation.
Special education programs provide the student with education in the “least restrictive environment.” This means that the student will, when appropriate, be educated within the general education setting with the necessary supplementary aids and services.
In addition to implementing a continuum of special education academic programs based on the individual needs of each student, other services include
Each of our campuses offers out-of-school-time hours so that students can participate in a variety of clubs in the areas of sports, academic enrichment and the arts. Additionally, we offer a variety of summer programs where students can continue to make academic progress and participate in summer camp sessions. Please see each school’s page for its programs.
Our OST program is designed to provide a community centered atmosphere that our students can access with a seamless transition from their school day. We strive to offer programming to students that they would not get in a traditional school environment. We also focus on staffing our clubs with school day teachers/staff so that our students and faculty have the opportunity to interact outside of the formal classroom setting, enhancing student/teacher relationships. The program also serves the community by providing a high quality daycare option for our working parents.
Each of our campuses is staffed with Master’s level social workers to provide ongoing case management and social skills supports to students and families in need. Services include classroom social skills lessons, navigating educational and health channels, and domestic assistance. Social workers work directly out of our schools and get their referrals from teachers, staff, and individual families.
We offer high-quality, year-round, full-day preschool education for young children at Belmont Academy Charter School and Inquiry Charter School. In addition to early reading and math skills, we ensure that each child develops the social and emotional tools necessary to be school-ready.
Establishing a working relationship with parents and caregivers is important to every child’s success. It helps us better understand their needs, and we can help families provide vital home support. Parents and caregivers can participate in parent council meetings, and we encourage family involvement in fun monthly family events to grow our home and school partnership. Please see each school’s calendar for examples.