FKO is especially proud of its ability to offer high-quality afterschool programming to all children, including those with disabilities or other special needs.  Deborah Kneeland, Executive Director, has extensive experience in this area with a Masters degree in special education and many years spent overseeing special needs initiatives for the Massachusetts Department of Education.  Up to one third of the children enrolled at all FKO sites have diagnosed special needs, including learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.  Over 20 students in FKO programs are English language learners.  FKO welcomes and makes necessary accommodations for students with special needs and will work with the school’s special education staff to ensure that after-school goals are included in the child’s individual education plan.

Special needs initiatives at FKO include:

• A Department of Early Education and Care contract to provide after-school services to children with disabilities, currently serving children with Autism and Muscular Dystrophy through this grant

• A private grant from BOSTnet, that provides staff training on inclusion of all children and a behavior management specialist working with children, staff and parents to support effective inclusion practices

• A partnership with Revere Public Schools that provides FKO with a behavior specialist offering staff training, guidance and support to continue running inclusionary programs

• A partnership with the Winthrop Public Schools Special Education Program, that brings a high school student with Down Syndrome to volunteer at one of FKO’s sites

• Selection of For Kids Only to be featured by the National Federation of Special Needs children in a documentary that highlights afterschool programs that are inclusive. The premiere of the documentary was shown in 2007 at the World Trade Center in Boston, MA at the Federation’s National Convention.