We are calling on Charleston County School Board to expand the Intensive Developmental Support(IDS) program through grades 3–5. Currently, the program only supports students through 2nd grade, leaving families with few options when their children age out—often forcing them into self-contained classrooms that don’t meet their developmental needs.

IDS is a proven model that supports students who may be on the autism spectrum or have developmental delays. It allows them to learn in intensive, structured environments that build academic success, confidence, and critical life skills. Removing this support after second grade is not only disruptive—it’s harmful.

Research shows that intensive education increases graduation rates by up to 30%, improves social development, and leads to greater long-term independence. Families in our community have seen firsthand how effective the IDS model is.

We ask the school board to do what’s right:

Expand the IDS program to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Let our children continue to thrive.