Photos of Staff and Students
About Us
The Special Services staff at Westbrook Public Schools believes every child can learn and every child has a right to a free and appropriate public education. Some children are exceptional and have disabilities, which makes them eligible for special education services in addition to the regular education program. The Department of Special Services ensures that all children between the age of 3 and 21 will have the appropriate programs of instruction and related services designed to meet their individual needs. If you have any concern about your child’s progress in school, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, Principal or Director of Special Services. Westbrook offers regular education and special education support services and programs to all children.
Contact Information
Fran Lagace
Director of Special Education and Student Services
FLagace@westbrookctschools.org
Jillian Carr
Administrative Assistant
158 McVeagh Road
Westbrook, CT 06498
(P) 860-399-6432
(F) 860-399-8817
Director of Special Education and Student Services, Francis A. Lagace, Introduction Letter
Fran Lagace Introduction Letter.pdf
Hello Parents, Guardians and Families,
I would like to formally introduce myself as the new Director of Special Services (since November 30, 2020) of Westbrook Public Schools! My name is Fran Lagace and I come to Westbrook with 20 years of educational experience that includes nine years of teaching and eleven years in educational leadership. As some of you may know, Madeline Illinger “retired” in June of 2020 but then stayed on in the role of Interim Director of Special Services until the end of November.
It has certainly been challenging to “hit the ground running” in the middle of a school year during a global pandemic and the amazing staff and families here in Westbrook have been truly supportive and wonderful! It has been my privilege and honor to meet many of you in meetings already since I started. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you to support you and your child(ren) in having the best and most successful, personalized educational experience here in Westbrook.
If you would like to contact my office and set up a time we can meet and discuss your child’s specific needs, or just to say “Hi,” please do not hesitate to reach out to me at the contact information above. You can also reach out to my administrative assistant, Jillian Carr at jcarr@westbrookctschools.org, to schedule a meeting. Currently we are conducting all meetings remotely through Google Meet or by teleconference due to the pandemic conditions.
I look forward to meeting all of you and working with your grade level team to provide the very best services possible for your student(s)!
Sincerely and in partnership,
Fran Lagace
Director of Special Services
Westbrook Public Schools
Programs and Services for English Learners
Information for Preschool Aged Students
Westbrook Public Schools Vocational/Transitional Program
Westbrook Public Schools Vocational/Transitional Program
Westbrook Vocational/Transitional Program provides students, age 18 through the end of the school year they turn 22, with opportunities to increase their awareness of their own skills in the areas of day-to-day independent living, employment, social awareness and community resources after the completion of their academic credits towards a High School Diploma. Students receive training in these areas in order to grow their skills and knowledge toward independence and an improved quality of life. Each students’ experiences are designed around the individual of each student as identified in each of their transitional goals within his/her Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Community Resources
Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) : www.ct.gov/dds
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) : www.brs.state.ct.us
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) : www.ct.gov/dmhas
Department of Social Security (DSS): www.ct.gov/dss
Department of Labor (DOL) : www.ct.gov/dol
Link to Resources
WHS Secondary Transition
- Appendix II - MAPS
- Appendix II-student participation
- Appendix V
- Building A Bridge
- Conover Program
- Journey to Self Advocacy
- Transition Into the Adult World
- Transition Manual
- Transition School to Work Ways to Access Job Coaching Employment Support
- Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
- Youth Handbook
- BRS Process
- Referral Protocol
- Easing into Secondary Transition
