At Dyer, the program was able to offer for the first time physical education classes taught by specialists, speech and hearing screening and therapy, and offered such ancillary services as nursing. For the first time, pupils also participated in a wide range of school activities, including band, chorus, and sports teams complete with cheerleaders and pep squad. When the Dyer building was filled to capacity, classes were also conducted at Sands School, bringing the total number of youngsters at Dyer and Sands to 500. The children's program continued to grow in the 1970's. The Board assumed operation of preschool classes in 1971, and introduced early intervention classes in 1976.
Early intervention is for children birth through two years of age and their parents.
Growth of Children's Services led to the construction of new buildings specifically designed to accommodate children with special needs. In 1976, Frederick A. Breyer School opened in New Burlington. The building program continued with the 1980 opening of Bobbie B. Fairfax School in Madisonville, and was completed in 1981 with the opening of Margaret B. Rost School in Bridgetown. The Board also operates the educational classes at St. Joseph Home, a residential program for children with multiple needs. In 1973, the Board created the Adult Services Division when it assumed operation of the adult program from the Welfare Department.