trumbull-county-board-of-dd

Fairhaven School is transitioning to a Preschool Special Education Licensing Model

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:23:02 GMT

Fairhaven School is transitioning to a Preschool Special Education Licensing Model.

Fairhaven School is transitioning to a Preschool Special Education Licensing Model. What does this new licensing model mean for students? For the upcoming school year, our preschool program is evolving in thoughtful and exciting ways to better meet the needs of our students and families.

We are transitioning to a Preschool Special Education licensing model, aligned with Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-11 (Preschool Special Education) and recent statewide guidance discussions. This model is designed to ensure that classrooms are structured around the needs of students with disabilities, with supports embedded directly into the learning environment.

As part of this transition, and following staff retirements, our program will move from 10 classrooms to 8 classrooms. This shift allows us to more intentionally focus our resources, space, and staffing to provide high-quality, individualized support for every child we serve. Importantly, our commitment to serving students with disabilities remains strong. In fact, this shift allows us to be even more intentional in how we design our classrooms to meet increasingly complex student needs. As we continue to see students requiring additional supports, adaptive equipment, and specialized instruction, this model ensures we are well-equipped to provide the level of care and education they deserve.

Will preschool classrooms still have an integrated structure? Our preschool classrooms will continue to include a balanced and inclusive structure of approximately six students with disabilities and four typically developing peers. Class sizes will be adjusted slightly in the new model—from current capacity of 12 students to 10—to allow for increased space, support, and access to specialized resources. This creates a more personalized learning environment where every student can thrive.

This approach also aligns with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – Child Find requirement, which ensures children are identified and supported as early as possible. Under this model, students who are newly identified as needing services can seamlessly continue learning in their classroom without disruption—keeping the focus where it belongs: on student growth and success.

How will this change the number of preschool students served? Currently, across 10 classrooms, we have the capacity to serve 120 preschool students, including 60 students with disabilities. With this updated model, 8 classrooms will serve approximately 80 preschool students, including 48 students with disabilities. While the overall number of students will be smaller, this change reflects a more individualized, supportive, and responsive program designed around student needs.

Will there be any adjustments to the preschool schedule? The preschool program will be changing to a 4-day week for the 2026-2027 school year. This was a very thoughtful decision, centered around what is best for our young learners. Preschool-aged children grow and learn best when there is a healthy balance of engaging instruction, play, rest, and time with family.

This schedule allows us to support the whole child while continuing to provide meaningful, high-quality learning experiences during the school week. It also gives our staff dedicated time to plan, collaborate, and prepare—something that directly benefits our students through stronger instruction, more individualized supports, and well-prepared classrooms each day.

In addition, this time creates more opportunities for our staff to support families in meaningful ways. This may include connecting families with community resources, offering additional communication and collaboration, and when appropriate, providing home-based support to help carry over skills beyond the classroom.

Just as importantly, our program will continue to fully meet Ohio’s preschool special education requirements under Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-11 (Preschool Special Education). These guidelines focus on the total number of instructional hours provided over the year (a minimum of 360 hours), and our program will continue to meet—and exceed—those expectations while maintaining a high-quality experience for students.

We feel confident that this structure supports both student development and program quality, and we are proud to be making this shift in a way that keeps our focus right where it belongs—on our students. We understand that any schedule change can take some adjustment for families, and we truly appreciate your continued support and partnership.

Do you have plans for the additional space now available?

Another exciting outcome of this transition is the opportunity to enhance student supports and enrichment experiences. With additional space available, we will expand access to music therapy through The Groovy Garfoose and visual arts programming through SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts) Youngstown. This space will also allow us to further integrate our partnership with Cadence Care, providing dedicated areas for services that support students’ mental health and social-emotional development. These supports are an essential part of helping our students build independence, regulate emotions, and succeed both in and out of the classroom; providing these services in dedicated spaces allows students to build independence and participate in “specials,” creating experiences that mirror a more traditional school environment.

Trumbull County Board of DD’s Committment to Fairhaven School Fairhaven School is operated by the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Our mission is to provide enriching experiences that benefit both children and their families.

Our preschool program remains a strong foundation for future success, and we continue to see it as an important pathway into our school-age services. With a robust waitlist at the school-age level, we remain well-positioned to support students across all age groups. The changes to the preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year reflect our continued commitment to growth, innovation, and providing the highest quality educational experience for our students—both now and into the future.

To download full PDF file click here.

Annual Survey

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:39:27 GMT

Annual Survey

If you or someone that you care for utilized services coordinated through the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TCBDD) in 2025, we are asking you to complete this short survey. TCBDD wants to know how you felt about your services this past year and what we can do to improve. This survey will also be mailed out to those eligible for TCBDD services. We ask that you please provide only one (1) survey response. Either fill out the paper survey mailed to you or the electronic survey, but not both.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5YZLWHD

Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar Open for Parent Feedback

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:38:30 GMT

Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar

Open for Parent Feedback

The proposed 2026–2027 school calendar is being shared for a 30-day parent feedback period, as required by policy. We encourage families to review the calendar and share thoughts or questions.

We want to acknowledge that this calendar looks different from previous years. These changes were made intentionally to support student learning, meet Ohio requirements, and provide greater consistency for families.

Meeting Ohio Requirements

Ohio schools are required to meet instructional hour requirements, not a set number of school days.

Elementary students: 901 hours required
Secondary students: 1,001 hours required

This proposed calendar meets and exceeds those requirements and includes flexibility for calamity days.

School Day Update (School-Age Students)

Beginning in 2026–2027, the school-age day will be slightly longer:

New school day: 8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Current school day: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

This added instructional time helps meet state requirements without adding extra school days.
School-age students may be dropped off starting at 8:15 AM.

Transportation

Transportation has been carefully planned to support this change.
Families can expect bus pick-up and drop-off times to adjust slightly, generally within about 10 minutes of current times. Updated transportation details will be shared before the school year begins.

Preschool Schedule

Preschool students will attend Monday–Thursday.

Fridays: No preschool students
Staff continue working Fridays for planning, evaluations, and family meetings

This schedule is developmentally appropriate for young learners and supports improved engagement and behavior.

Why This Calendar Works

Meets Ohio instructional requirements
Supports consistent routines for students
Reduces the need for waiver days
Maintains familiar holidays and breaks
Uses staff time thoughtfully and responsibly

We Want Your Feedback

This calendar is posted for 30 days of parent feedback. We appreciate your partnership and welcome your input as we plan for the 2026–2027 school year!

TCBDD Celebrates Love the Bus Month

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:12:32 GMT

TCBDD Celebrates Love the Bus Month

The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TCBDD) is excited to join schools, districts, and transportation professionals across the nation in celebrating Love the Bus Month this February! This month-long celebration recognizes the vital role that student transportation plays in education, community life, and the daily experiences of children and families in Trumbull County.

The celebration officially kicks off on February 1 , highlighting the importance of the trusted yellow school bus and the professionals who safely transport students every day. Love the Bus Month is more than a February event—it serves as a foundation for year-round appreciation of the dedication, professionalism, and impact of school transportation teams.

“Behind every safe ride is a team of professionals who care deeply about students and the communities they serve,” said a TCBDD spokesperson. “This month gives us the chance to shine a light on those who make student transportation safe, reliable, and welcoming every single day.”

Love the Bus emphasizes the strong connection between safe transportation and educational access. Whether it’s bus drivers, aides, or transportation staff, each professional contributes to ensuring that students arrive at school ready to learn. To support local celebrations, resources like ready-to-use graphics, social media templates, certificates, and press materials are available through the national Love the Bus digital toolkit. These tools help schools, districts, and community partners create engaging campaigns that honor transportation teams at every level.

TCBDD encourages families, schools, and community members to share stories, photos, and messages of appreciation throughout February using #LoveTheBus . By celebrating the people who make safe student transportation possible, we strengthen not only our school systems but also the bonds between students, families, and the wider Trumbull County community.

Let’s come together this February to thank and celebrate the professionals who drive, guide, and support our students every day—because every ride matters!

To learn more, visit www.napt.org/lovethebus .

Upcoming Training: Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with ID/DD

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:03:19 GMT

Upcoming Training: Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with ID/DD

The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host an in-person training for law enforcement officers and first responders on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The training will take place at the TCBDD Board Offices, located at 45 North Road, Niles, Ohio, and will last no longer than two hours.

This training is designed to provide practical, real-world tools to support safer, more effective interactions between first responders and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

About the Training

Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities: A Course for First Responders focuses on the specific learning needs of law enforcement officers and other first responders. Participants will receive foundational information on what intellectual and developmental disabilities are, how they occur, and how to recognize individuals with ID/DD, including those on the autism spectrum.

The course emphasizes effective interaction and proven de-escalation techniques that help reduce the risk of injury and improve outcomes for both first responders and the individuals they serve. Through the use of body-camera footage and scenario-based acting videos, attendees will explore real-life situations involving use of force, defensive tactics, and physical de-escalation.

Participants will leave the training with practical strategies they can add to their professional toolbelt to increase officer safety, public safety, and positive community interactions.

About the Presenter

The training will be led by Diane Dudziak, MS, a developmental disabilities and law enforcement specialist with more than 38 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Diane also served as a police officer for six years, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by both first responders and the ID/DD community.

During her time in law enforcement, Diane identified a significant disconnect between first responders and individuals with ID/DD and their families. She also recognized the lack of comprehensive, first-responder-focused training to address the increasing number of encounters and injuries involving this population.

In response, Diane developed this specialized training in 2018, focusing on identifying individuals with ID/DD and using realistic, tactical approaches to de-escalation. While the course is designed for law enforcement and first responders, it is also offered to individuals with ID/DD, their families, caregivers, and support staff to help bridge understanding between communities and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

Registration Information

If you are interested in attending this training, please RSVP no later than February 6, 2026.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact:

Nicole Divens

Investigative Services Director

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Office: 330-652-1116 ext. 131

House Bill 144 Keith’s Law

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:16:06 GMT

House Bill 144 Keith’s Law - Voluntary Database for Ohioans with Disabilities Enhances Emergency Response

Keith’s Law (House Bill 144) – Supporting Safer Communication

On October 20, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 144, also known as Keith’s Law , into effect. This important legislation builds on Ohio’s Communication Disability Law, ensuring that first responders can access critical information shared by people with communication disabilities during countywide 9-1-1 calls.

House Bill 144 creates a voluntary statewide database that allows individuals with special needs to share important information with first responders ahead of a crisis. Each county’s 9-1-1 system can access this information and provide it to responders when dispatched, helping ensure they are fully prepared to offer safe and potentially life-saving assistance.

Who can participate?
Any person with a diagnosed communication disability (or someone who regularly travels with a person with a communication disability) can voluntarily enroll in a secure database connected to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). This allows law enforcement officers to be aware of potential communication challenges when approaching a vehicle, helping reduce misunderstandings and ensuring safer interactions.

How to enroll:
Complete the verification form to add your information to the database and help first responders provide the support you or your loved ones may need in emergency situations.

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website .

Save the Date: Annual Golf Outing – June 15, 2026

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:24:55 GMT

Save the Date: 28th Annual Golf Outing – June 15, 2026

We’re excited to announce that our annual golf outing is officially on the calendar! Please save the date for June 15, 2026, when we’ll gather for a great day of golf, networking, and community support.

This year’s outing will be held at Avalon Lakes Golf Course and Country Club in Warren , Ohio. If you have any questions or would like more information before the full announcement is released, please feel free to reach out directly to Lisa McGeary.

For more information, contact Lisa McGeary.

Phone: 330-652-9800 ext. 219

Treasurer Sprague Announces STABLE Account Eligibility Expansion

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:59:03 GMT

Treasurer Sprague Announces STABLE Account Eligibility Expansion

As of January 1, 2026, the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act has extended eligibility for ABLE accounts by raising the age of disability onset from 26 to 46. This impactful change will allow thousands more individuals to save and invest without affecting federal benefits. This includes adults who developed disabilities later in life, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and guardians or Authorized Legal Representatives supporting adults with disabilities.

“This new eligibility expansion will allow so many more Ohioans to take advantage of the empowerment, independence, and financial security that STABLE Account offers to those living with disabilities,” said Treasurer Sprague. “Our office is excited to share the news about STABLE Account with more communities, while continuing to offer benefits like the STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive to those in our state and beyond.”

Under Treasurer Sprague’s leadership, Ohio’s STABLE Account program has gained popularity, with overall participation growing from fewer than 10,000 accounts in January 2019 to more than 52,000 active accounts today.

STABLE accounts are 529-like specialized savings and investment accounts for people living with disabilities. The accounts allow individuals to save and invest their money without fearing the loss of means-tested benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Accountholders can save up to $20,000 annually without losing federal assistance, and they can save an additional $15,060 each year if they’re employed. Earnings on STABLE accounts grow tax-free if they are spent on qualified expenses, which include housing, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, assistive technology, and more.

In 2024, Treasurer Sprague announced the launch of the STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive to encourage more eligible Ohioans to open an account. Through the incentive, STABLE Account matches the first $25 that an eligible individual contributes when opening a new account. This matched contribution provides new accountholders with an instantaneous boost toward growing their money and beginning their investment journey. Beginning this year, the Enrollment Incentive will be available nationwide to anyone wishing to open a STABLE Account and begin their savings and investment journey.

Through STABLE Account, Ohioans living with disabilities can enjoy a higher quality of life and build a strong financial future. Signing up for a STABLE account takes about 20 minutes and can be done online from home. For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit www.stableaccount.com .

Property Taxes Do More Than Fund Public Services

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:23:55 GMT

Property Taxes Do More Than Fund Public Services

Property taxes have long been a major source of funding for necessary services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities. These dollars allow the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide early intervention for young children, educational services for students, residential and in-home services for adults, transportation access, job training and employment programs, crisis intervention, and case management.

For many families, these services are not optional; they are vital to daily life, safety, and long-term stability. These services do more than help individuals, they strengthen families and communities by enabling people to participate more fully in everyday life.

Because a significant portion of the Trumbull County Board’s operating budget comes from voter-approved property tax levies, the Board can plan responsibly, invest in provider capacity, and respond quickly when needs change. Unlike state or federal funding allocations, which can change due to policy or economic conditions, levy funding offers the reliability needed to provide and maintain lifelong support to individuals and families.

In recent months, a statewide petition has been circulated proposing the elimination of property taxes in Ohio. While the petition is framed as taxpayer relief, its impact on our services would be substantial. Removing property taxes without replacement funding would strip the Board of its most dependable source of revenue. Specifically, for the children, adults, and families receiving services from the Trumbull County it would lead to severe program reductions, longer waiting lists, and fewer options for families seeking support.

The petition also raises concerns about control and accountability in the way funds are used. Property tax levies empower local voters to decide how their community invests in necessary services. Eliminating property taxes would shift financial control away from communities and allow decisions to be made at the state level, where funding may be less responsive to local needs. Eliminating property taxes is ultimately a decision about Ohio’s commitment to people with developmental disabilities. Any proposal that eliminates funding for services must carefully consider both immediate and long-term consequences.

As discussions around the petition continue, it’s important for Trumbull County residents to understand what is at stake. Property taxes do more than fund public services, they provide a lifeline and safety net for individuals with developmental disabilities living in Trumbull County. So, please share this information with your family and friends to ensure residents are making an informed decision about the future of TCBDD and the vital services the Board provides.

On behalf of the individuals and families receiving services from the TCBDD, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to the people we serve and the community they enrich.

Edward J. Stark

Superintendent,

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

TCBDD Implements Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program to Support Safer Traffic Stops

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:13 GMT

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities Implements Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program to Support Safer Traffic Stops

Pictured above: a photo of the Blue Envelope Package which includes a car decal, wallet card, brochure and envelope.

The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities has implemented Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a statewide initiative aimed at improving communication and safety between law enforcement officers and individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops.

The Blue Envelope Program provides drivers with developmental or cognitive disabilities a blue envelope to store essential documents, including their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card and relevant medical information. The packet also includes a car decal, wallet card and brochure with instructions on how to use the items.

The envelope contains guidance for law enforcement officers on how to better communicate with individuals who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome or other developmental conditions that affect communication and cognitive or sensory processing.

Local law enforcement agencies throughout Trumbull County will receive training on how to identify and appropriately respond when a Blue Envelope is presented during a traffic stop. The program is voluntary and free for participants.

Individuals or families interested in receiving a Blue Envelope may contact the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities at (330) 652-9800 or visit the office at 45 North Road, Niles, OH, 44446.

trumbull-county-board-of-dd

Fairhaven School is transitioning to a Preschool Special Education Licensing Model

Fairhaven School is transitioning to a Preschool Special Education Licensing Model.

Annual Survey

Annual Survey

Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar Open for Parent Feedback

Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar

﻿ Open for Parent Feedback

TCBDD Celebrates Love the Bus Month

TCBDD Celebrates Love the Bus Month

Upcoming Training: Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with ID/DD

Upcoming Training: Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with ID/DD

House Bill 144 Keith’s Law

House Bill 144 Keith’s Law - Voluntary Database for Ohioans with Disabilities Enhances Emergency Response ﻿

Save the Date: Annual Golf Outing – June 15, 2026

Save the Date: 28th Annual Golf Outing – June 15, 2026

Treasurer Sprague Announces STABLE Account Eligibility Expansion

Treasurer Sprague Announces STABLE Account Eligibility Expansion

Property Taxes Do More Than Fund Public Services

Property Taxes Do More Than Fund Public Services

TCBDD Implements Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program to Support Safer Traffic Stops

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities Implements Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program to Support Safer Traffic Stops

Pictured above: a photo of the Blue Envelope Package which includes a car decal, wallet card, brochure and envelope.

Open for Parent Feedback

House Bill 144 Keith’s Law - Voluntary Database for Ohioans with Disabilities Enhances Emergency Response