Make a Referral

Students who thrive at The Bridge typically benefit from:

• Structured routines and consistent expectations
• Supportive, relationship-based environments
• Explicit instruction in regulation and coping strategies
• Guided practice in communication and problem-solving skills
• Individualized behavioral and social-emotional supports (BIPs)
• Opportunities to practice skills in real-time school settings

Academic abilities vary, and instruction is individualized to support meaningful engagement and growth. Students are supported through predictable routines and explicit instruction in self-regulation, communication, problem-solving, and engagement skills.

Placement at The Bridge is an IEP Team decision and is not appropriate for all students. Students must demonstrate a need for the social, emotional, and behavioral services and supports offered at the Bridge to be eligible. School district Special Education Directors or Superintendents should contact The Bridge early to discuss potential enrollment.

Step 1: Referral and Initial Review

Within 5 school days of referral, The Bridge Director sets up a meeting with referring staff to gather more information. If determined to move forward with potential placement, The Bridge Director takes information back to the Onboarding Team and works with the district to schedule IEP Team Meeting. Fill out interest form using the button below.

Step 2: IEP Meeting

The Bridge Onboarding Team attends an IEP team meeting with all necessary stakeholders (family, teachers, administration, related service providers, etc.) to clarify student needs and program supports.

Step 3: Evaluation
If the IEP team determines that an evaluation for The Bridge is appropriate and parent/guardian consent is obtained, The Bridge team conducts a comprehensive review of existing information, including the student's IEP, evaluation reports, behavior data, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), and relevant academic and social-emotional records. The evaluation process also includes school-based observations, interviews with family members and school staff, and any additional assessments agreed upon by the IEP team.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the full IEP team reconvenes to review the results and determine whether placement at The Bridge is appropriate to meet the student's individual needs.

Step 4: Enrollment

If the IEP team determines that The Bridge is the appropriate placement for the student, together the teams document the placement decision.  The Bridge team provides onboarding materials to the family and home district, coordinates transportation and transition logistics, and establishes the student's start date.

The student and family are welcomed to The Bridge, and staff work collaboratively with the family and home district to support a successful transition into the program.

Step 5: Starting Services and Developing a New IEP

Following enrollment, The Bridge team collects baseline academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional data within the therapeutic day school setting to inform individualized programming. In collaboration with the family, home district, and required IEP team members, The Bridge develops a Safety Net-compliant IEP and BIP with updated performance and individualized supports.