Specialized Programs

Bright Horizons is a Special Day School, located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, serving approximately 150 students ranging from Kindergarten through age 22 and from diverse multi- ‐cultural backgrounds. (White 27%, Black 47%, Hispanic 24%, Asian 1%, and Multi Racial 2%) Students enrolled at Bright Horizons are classified as Intellectually Disabled, Autistic, Physically Impaired, Other Health Impaired and experience global delays.

All students have an IEP (Individual Educational Plan), and many have FBA/PBIPs (Functional Behavior Assessments/Positive Behavior Plans). Bright Horizons School is one of two Special Day Schools located in Broward County serving Intellectually Disabled students. Students residing in Broward County north of Sunrise Blvd. and meeting placement criteria may be staffed into Bright Horizons. Bright Horizons serves the northern half of Broward County as one of two InD center schools in the district. Because of that, Bright Horizons students reflect the demographics of Broward County as a whole. Additionally, it is vital that the staff demographics mirror that of the students. Due to the significant medical needs of the student population, Bright Horizons maintains three registered nurses on staff.

Bright Horizons provides academic instruction to students with a focus on increased behavioral and instructional support and accommodations that focus on the individual needs of every student. Students receive speech, physical and occupational therapy services as needed. For students aged 18 to 22, the students participate in a district model, called PASS (Post-Graduate Alternatives for Secondary Students). This program focuses on functional academics, social skills, life skills, and work experience to prepare them for post-secondary independence and community-based instruction, emphasizing real-world skills and community-based instruction. Behavior support staff includes three certified behavior specialists and a robust crisis team who have specialized training in verbal de‐escalation techniques and crisis management. Bright Horizons maintains low student to adult ratios in the classrooms. Each class consists of a Special Education Instructor and one or two educational support professionals. The Leadership Team in the school is comprised of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Staffing Specialist, two Autism Coaches, Job Coach and three Behavior Specialists.