CAPS Gateway School

The CAPS Gateway Programs are located in Westminster in a separate day school setting with ample space to meet the individual student and program classroom needs. The Gateway Programs provide safe, dynamic and flexible academic and therapeutic instruction that fosters the development of the skills necessary to be successful in the least restrictive setting and community through positive collaboration with families, districts and community providers. Students are referred to the Gateway programs because their needs in the areas of social/emotional development are impacting their ability to access the curriculum in a less restrictive setting or as a step down from a more restrictive setting. Students present with a variety of academic, social and behavioral challenges and/or emotional impairments requiring instruction in an adult-intensive, highly structured setting with small class sizes, consistent positive behavioral support, and encouragement.

• Gateway Links Program: Seeks to increase students’ independence through the acquisition of functional skills self-advocacy, career exploration, and transition planning. The goal for each student is to develop a realistic plan prior to graduation that reflects the student’s competencies and life goals. The LINK program provides an experience on the campus of Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC).
• Gateway 45-Day Alternate Assessment Program: Designed to provide educational and evaluation services for elementary, middle and high school students in order to assist sending districts in making service and placement decisions. On site evaluations are offered in the areas of cognitive, academic, clinical, behavioral, risk assessments, speech, language and occupational therapy.