Parent Support Group

MSEC offers a parent to parent support group the first Friday of every month. It is held in the conference room of the William H. Flaherty Education Center located at 40 Brick Kiln Road in Chelmsford. These meetings run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This group is open to all parents of the PDD and EBS programs at the William H. Flaherty Education Center, as well as the off-site PDD classrooms.

The purpose of the meeting is three-fold :

To support parents with children diagnosed with a disability, to help them through the process, and to let them know they are not alone

To inform parents of community outreach programs that are available for them and their child

And finally, to educate the parents. There are times when the Therapists can rearrange their schedules to come and talk with the parents. Our speech, occupational and physical therapists are happy to educate parents about the latest communication programs we are using with their children. Collaborative Therapists may also discuss the sensory needs of students and how parents can meet those needs at home. This time provides parents with an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from each other.

Paula Churchill facilitates this group. She has worked with MSEC for the past 18 years. Paula has her Masters in Education, but more importantly she has raised her own son with special needs for the past 32 years. She brings understanding, compassion, and a willingness to listen to parent’s needs and their stories.

If you have any questions, please call Paula Churchill at 978-528-7840 x757.