Programs & Services
Resource Room
The Resource Room provides direct, specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs, as well as consultation support to classroom teachers and families. The amount of time and support a student receives is determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Resource Room teachers maintain regular communication with both students and families to monitor progress and support the achievement of IEP goals and objectives.
Elementary Level Resource Rooms
At the elementary level, students who qualify for special education services receive specialized instruction through a Resource Program provider, as defined and described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). This instruction is tailored to meet each student’s unique learning needs and may focus on goal areas such as reading, writing, math, or other academic and functional skills. The Resource Provider works closely with classroom teachers and families to ensure that the supports and services outlined in the IEP are implemented effectively, helping students make progress toward their individual goals.
Secondary Level Resource Rooms
At the secondary level, Resource Room teachers, per the student's IEP, may provide direct instruction aligned with course content, assign grades, and implement other evaluative measures as appropriate. In addition to direct instruction, Resource Room teachers may also offer supplemental support through co-teaching core academic subjects alongside general education teachers, promoting inclusive practices and access to the general education curriculum. In Northville Public Schools, high school special education teachers are highly qualified in one or more subject areas and deliver instruction based on content rather than disability. This approach ensures that students receive high-quality, standards-based education while also addressing their individual learning needs as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Extended Resource Room Classroom
For students whose Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) needs a more restrictive setting, a categorical classroom provides a supportive environment where they can receive the majority of their educational program, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). These classrooms, located in selected schools throughout the district, are designed to deliver intensive, specialized instruction tailored to each student's unique learning profile. While the primary instruction occurs in the categorical setting, students may still have opportunities to interact with general education peers and participate in general education classes or activities, as determined appropriate by the IEP team. (link to unified?) Northville Public Schools is proud to be a Unified Champion District.
ASD Classroom
For students with complex Autism whose Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) needs a more restrictive setting, a categorical ASD classroom provides a supportive environment where they can receive the majority of their educational program, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classroom is a specialized educational setting designed to meet the unique needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These classrooms provide structured, individualized instruction with a strong focus on developing communication, social skills, behavioral strategies, and academic goals aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). ASD classrooms are located in selected schools across the district and offer a supportive, predictable environment tailored to promote student success.
ASD classrooms are funded through the Wayne RESA Act 18 agreement and are considered a more restrictive educational setting designed to support students with significant needs related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Placement in an ASD classroom is determined by the IEP team and follows specific entry and exit criteria to ensure that the setting is appropriate based on the student’s individual needs. These criteria help guide decisions about whether a student requires the level of structure, support, and individualized instruction provided in the ASD classroom, and whether they are ready to transition to a less restrictive environment when appropriate.
When appropriate and as determined by the IEP team, students may also participate in general education classes and activities, allowing for meaningful interaction with their general education peers. Northville Public Schools is proud to be a Unified Champion District (link).
Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP)
Preschool students ages 3 to 5 whose needs require a special education classroom setting (as determined by their IEP), may be served in the Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) classroom. This specialized program provides 2½-hour sessions as defined by the ECIP calendar and is led by a certified special education teacher, with a focus on early intervention and individualized instruction to support developmental and educational growth. ECIP classrooms are located at Thornton Creek Elementary School and are designed to help young learners build foundational skills in a supportive, structured environment tailored to their Individualized Education Program (IEP)
ACT 18 County Center-Based Programs
The unique educational needs of some students may require a more specialized setting beyond the local school environment. Students with highly specialized learning needs may require a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is best provided through an Act 18 county center program. These Center-Based Programs serve children with similar learning needs from multiple school districts. The curriculum in Center Programs is carefully designed to address the specific needs of the students they serve and is then individualized to support each learner’s unique goals and abilities. In addition to a comprehensive classroom program, these centers offer access to a wide range of specialized services essential for meeting each child’s individual needs.
ACT18 county center classrooms are funded through the Wayne RESA Act 18 agreement and are considered a more restrictive educational setting designed to support students with significant needs. Placement in these classrooms is determined by the IEP team and follows specific entry and exit criteria to ensure that the setting is appropriate based on the student’s individual needs. These criteria help guide decisions about whether a student requires the level of structure, support, and individualized instruction provided in the county center classroom, and whether they are ready to transition to a less restrictive environment when appropriate.
The following Center-Based Programs are providers in partnership with other school districts and available for students living within Northville:
| Learning Characteristic |
Center-Based Program
|
|---|---|
| Autistically Impaired |
Autistically Impaired
Burger Baylor (1st - 12th grade); Burger Transition (Post-Secondary): Garden City Public Schools, Livonia Public Schools, Plymouth-Canton Schools
Preschool (ages 3-5): Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
K-12: Northville Public Schools
|
| Early-On (Birth through 3 years) |
Early On Program: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
|
| Day Treatment (for Emotionally Impaired) | Keeler Adolescent and Elementary Day Treatment Center: Redford Union Schools |
| Hearing Impaired (Oral Program) |
Redford Union Schools
|
| Physically or Health Impaired |
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
|
| Cognitively Impaired | Webster Elementary, Frost Middle School, Franklin High School and Post High School Garfield Skills Center: Livonia Public Schools |
| Severe Cognitive Impaired |
PreK-26 Cooke School: Northville Public Schools
|
| Severe Multiple Impaired |
PreK-26 Cooke School: Northville Public Schools
|
| Dual Diagnosed (Cognitively/Emotionally Impaired) | PreK-26 Cooke School: Northville Public Schools |
Students with IEPs may receive a minimum of two non-consecutive hours of instruction per week in their home (as determined by their IEP) if they are certified by a licensed physician as having a severe physical or other health impairment preventing school attendance. Students without IEPs are entitled to two 45-minute sessions per week.
Transportation
The IEPT determines when special transportation arrangements are required for a student.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education. In Northville Public Schools, Section 504 supports students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Students eligible under Section 504 receive accommodations and support through a Section 504 Plan, which is developed collaboratively by a school-based team, including parents or guardians. These plans are designed to provide access to the general education curriculum and school activities by removing barriers and supporting student success in the least restrictive environment.
Northville Public Schools is committed to identifying, evaluating, and supporting students who qualify for Section 504 protections and ensuring compliance with all related federal and state regulations. For more information about Section 504, including the referral and evaluation process, please contact the Office of Special Services.
Multi-tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS)
Northville Public Schools is committed to meeting the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of all students through a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is a proactive, data-driven framework that promotes early identification and targeted support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
MTSS provides layered levels of support, or "tiers," that increase in intensity based on student need:
- Tier 1 includes high-quality, evidence-based instruction and supports provided to all students in the general education setting.
- Tier 2 offers targeted interventions for students who need additional support beyond the core curriculum.
- Tier 3 delivers intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant or persistent needs.
Northville's MTSS framework is a collaborative effort between the Office of Instruction and the Office of Special Services. School teams use assessment data, classroom observations, and progress monitoring tools to guide decision-making and adjust instruction and interventions as needed. Support may address academics, behavior, or social-emotional learning, depending on the individual needs of the student.
By focusing on early intervention and continuous improvement, MTSS helps ensure all students receive the right support at the right time, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment across all Northville schools.
McKinney Vento (Homeless)
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures students experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education. Northville Public Schools is committed to supporting students and families who may be facing temporary or unstable housing situations by removing barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success.
Under McKinney-Vento, a student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students living in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds, temporary shared housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship, or other transitional situations.
Northville Public Schools designates a McKinney-Vento liaison to assist families with enrollment, access to services, and coordination of support. If you believe your child may be eligible for support under the McKinney-Vento Act, or if you have questions, please contact the Office of Special Services for assistance
For more information on eligibility requirements and support, please visit:
https://www.resa.net/family-and-community/families-living-in-transition/
K12 School Nursing Services
Northville Public Schools is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all students through comprehensive K-12 nursing services. Our district Registered Nurse (RN) plays a critical role in ensuring that students with medical needs are safe, supported, and able to fully participate in their educational experience.
The district RN is responsible for developing and managing individualized Health Care Plans for students with chronic or acute medical conditions. These plans are created in collaboration with families, medical providers, and school staff to address each student's specific health needs during the school day.
In addition to managing Health Care Plans, the RN oversees health alerts, ensuring that essential medical information is communicated effectively to staff who work with students. The nurse also provides training to school personnel on a variety of health-related topics, including emergency medical procedures (such as EpiPen administration), seizure response, diabetes management, and general first aid, ensuring that staff are prepared to respond appropriately to student health concerns.
Northville’s nursing services promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all students, supporting their academic success by addressing health needs proactively and compassionately.
Multi-Lingual Services
Northville Public Schools is proud to support a diverse community of learners through our Multilingual Services program. This program is designed to assist students who are learning English as an additional language, ensuring they have equitable access to the curriculum and opportunities for academic success.
Students may be identified for multilingual services through the Home Language Survey included in the district’s enrollment packet, or through referrals from school staff who recognize a potential need for language support. Once identified, students are assessed using the WIDA screener, which helps determine their level of English language proficiency and the appropriate level of support.
Services for multilingual learners are tailored to meet each student’s individual language development needs. Support may be provided through a variety of instructional models, including in-class support, small group instruction, co-teaching, or targeted English language development sessions. The specific model and frequency of support are determined in collaboration with the Multilingual Service Provider, based on WIDA assessment results and ongoing academic performance.
Northville Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all multilingual learners are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and socially.