Developing Opportunities Program
The Developing Opportunities (DO) Program is a therapeutic, self-contained special education program in BPS that serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade whose social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) needs significantly interfere with their academic performance, classroom behavior, social interactions, and peer relationships. The program provides a highly structured and supportive environment where students receive access to general education academic content, taught using Common Core State Standards and district-approved curriculum and materials. Instruction takes place in a modified setting that allows for smaller class sizes, individualized pacing, and embedded social-emotional supports, creating the conditions necessary for students to make academic progress while working toward their SEL goals. Guided by each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), instruction is tailored to their unique strengths and challenges. With a low student-to-staff ratio and targeted behavioral interventions, the DO Program supports students in developing the skills they need to regulate emotions, build positive relationships, and engage meaningfully in learning. Students also receive varying levels of related services throughout the school day to address both academic and behavioral needs in a comprehensive, individualized manner.
Program Goals and Approach to Student Support
The goal of the DO Program is to help students learn and apply social-emotional and behavioral skills through explicit instruction and a highly structured, supportive environment. This self-contained special education setting focuses on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards alongside academic content. Smaller class sizes and individualized programming allows staff to meet student-specific needs. An integral part of the program involves using Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) to understand and address each child’s emotional and behavioral needs effectively throughout the course of the school day. As a part of the DO program, students receive social work support to address their social-emotional needs, and staff provide consistent emotional and behavioral interventions to work toward each student’s IEP goals.
Students
DO supports students with significant social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) needs, specifically those whose social-emotional and behavioral needs are the primary impact on a student’s educational performance. Students in DO typically have academic skills within the average range, though you might see gaps in their learning as a result of missed instruction due to dysregulation or avoidance. These learning gaps may require academic interventions. In addition to social work and counseling, students in the program may also receive other related services as needed, such as speech and language, occupational therapy, or functional skills support.
Partnering with Parents
Your role as a parent is invaluable in the IEP team. The DO program emphasizes a collaborative approach where the IEP team—including you—makes all decisions about your child’s services. We believe that by working together, we can best support your child’s growth and help them develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.
