Grace S. Webb School

The Grace S. Webb School, part of the Institute of Living (a psychiatric hospital) in Hartford, Connecticut, provides special education, clinical and related services to students who are in grades K-12. These students are referred by their Local Education Agency (LEA). The school is a state approved special education facility. Students exhibit functioning which ranges from slightly impaired to gifted levels. Students are enrolled in the elementary, middle, or high school and receive instruction in reading, writing and mathematics, physical education, health, science and social studies. Additionally, art, music, cooking, horticulture, vocational education (which may include supportive job experience), speech and language services, occupational therapy and computer science instruction may be offered as part of a student’s program.

Formal and informal assessments are an important part of understanding and providing for a student’s needs. These may include educational, medication, psychiatric, psychological, speech/language, vocational, occupational therapy, or other specifically requested evaluations.

The school curriculum uses standard texts and other materials so that instruction meets state and local education guidelines while it is sensitive to each student's learning needs. Frequent field trips and visiting programs enhance the established curriculum. Social and behavioral learning continues throughout the day.

As a therapeutic school, the coordination of educational and clinical plans are important. All students participate in appropriate clinical groups and individual therapy. Medication monitoring is available. A point/level behavioral system reinforces growth in academics, social interactions and coping skills. There is an emphasis on developing interpersonal relationships and problem solving skills.

Parents/caretakers are an important piece of the school/student link. Teacher advisors and assigned clinicians maintain contact with and provide a resource for parents. Some students may carry daily school/home contact sheets. Parent educational and clinical meetings are encouraged. A bilingual outreach worker is available to all families and students to support this important connection. In response to student and school district needs, the Grace S. Webb School has a diagnostic program, now in its 10th year of operation. Collaborative programs are available for students who are diagnosed with an eating disorder, disorders related to adolescent psychosis, and those children and adolescents who are receiving inpatient and partial hospital care.