Student Services

Student Services

Phone: 401-792-9426
Fax: 401-792-9429

Dr. Melissa Denton | Director of Student Services | [email protected]

Jill Hague | Asst. Director of Student Services | 
[email protected]

Welcome to Student Services!

Here in Narragansett, our Student Services team is dedicated to ensuring every student can access the resources they need to thrive. We believe all children deserve tailored support to help them succeed, and our services, rooted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), reflect that commitment. IDEA is a federal law that guides how we transition students from early intervention, special education, and related services, helping us make sure each child has what they need to access their education.

Our Special Education services offer customized instruction at no cost to families, ensuring children with disabilities have access to the specialized instruction they need. Children may qualify for these services if they are evaluated and found to have one or more specific disabilities, such as a specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, autism, intellectual disability, other health impairment or other federally recognized disability under IDEA. To help identify these needs early, children can be referred through a variety of paths, including screenings and parent or teacher recommendations. If you feel your child might need additional support, we encourage you to start the conversation with their teacher, school counselor, or principal. Together, we will review how your child is accessing their education and determine if an evaluation is needed.

Once your child qualifies, we will work closely with you to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines their strengths, needs, goals, and services. This team approach includes you, as well as teachers and other school professionals, ensuring a supportive plan designed just for your child. Your child is encouraged to participate in their IEP as early as middle school.  It is required that they participate starting the year they turn 14 per RI Regulations. The IEP is revisited annually—or sooner if needed—so we can monitor your child’s progress and make adjustments as progress is made and needs change.

We also invite you to join the Narragansett Special Education Advisory Committee (NSEAC), a parent-led group that meets quarterly to support families and students with disabilities and advocate for their needs. If you would like to get involved, reach out! Your insights and participation are greatly valued. Their email is [email protected].

For any questions about the special education process or support services, feel free to contact us at the Office of Student Services. Dr. Melissa Denton, our Director of Student Services, is here to help you and can be reached at 401-792-9426 or via email at [email protected].
We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s success!



Helpful Links for Parents
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Washington County Coalition for Children 

Education
Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)
United States Department of Education
Rhode Island Graduation Requirements
Rhode Island Special Education Law and Advocacy
 
Rhode Island Employment First Policy
 
Procedural Safeguards
Special Education Procedural Safeguards

Additional Resources and Tools
Infoaboutkids.org
Proper Physical Restraint Guidance

Child Outreach

CHILD OUTREACH IS A FREE SERVICE offered to all children 3 to 5 years old. Child Outreach provides a brief assessment in five areas of development: vision, hearing, speech and language skills, social/emotional development and general development, such as gross and fine motor skills, memory etc. Much like your well child visit with the pediatrician, children should be screened annually, at 3, 4 and 5 years old. Because the activities are based upon what is appropriate for your child's age and experiences at the time of screening, each screening provides families with an up-to-date check on their child's status. Child Outreach can help identify children who may need further assessment, intervention and/or services at an early age in order to prevent the occurrence of more severe problems later. We want to ensure that ALL children are off to a good start before entering kindergarten. It is highly recommended that any child entering kindergarten in the fall of 2017 have a Child Outreach screening prior to kindergarten registration in the spring of 2017.For more information or to schedule a screening appointment, please call Narragansett Child Outreach @ 401-284-4910.