Supporting school-age children and families through in-home and community-based services.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have partnered to create the DESE/DDS Program, which provides in-home and wrap-around supports for school-age children and youth with developmental disabilities.

The goal of the program is to prevent out-of-home or more restrictive educational placements by strengthening each family’s ability to support their child at home, in school, and within the community.

Through a collaborative, family-centered approach, the program fosters skill development, independence, and social integration across various settings.

Program Components

Family Navigation

Service Navigators guide families through program planning, resources, and system coordination to ensure individualized, effective supports.

Professional Staffing Supports

In-home and community-based staff provide direct skill-building, behavioral, and social supports tailored to each participant’s goals.

Ancillary Goods & Services

Funding is available for allowable goods and reimbursements that directly support the participant’s development, independence, and family stability.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the DESE/DDS Program, individuals must:

Be DDS eligible and meet specific DESE/DDS criteria for participation.
Complete an interest form during the open enrollment period.
Be school-age and living at home with their family.
Have a parent/guardian who agrees to active participation in the program planning and implementation process.

Family Participation

Families play an essential role in the DESE/DDS program. The parent or guardian is an active partner in creating and implementing the child’s support plan, including:

Collaborating with staff to set goals and identify needs
Helping determine which services or supports will best achieve those goals
Participating in progress reviews and outcome discussions
Guiding how funds are best used within program guidelines

This teamwork ensures that supports are meaningful, effective, and centered on the child’s success at home and in the community.

Contact our Family Support team to learn more about program enrollment and eligibility.

DONATE NOW

Multicultural Community Services

DESE Program