Special Education - Lincoln

The Don D. Sherrill Education Center (DDSEC) is a dedicated specialized elementary facility operated by Lincoln Public Schools on North 56th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Named in honor of Dr. Donald D. Sherrill, a visionary former Director of Special Education for the district, the center serves approximately 100 elementary students in kindergarten through 5th grade whose intensive behavioral, emotional, and social-emotional needs require a temporary, highly specialized learning setting. Operating with low student-to-teacher ratios, dedicated paraprofessionals, and on-site behavioral intervention specialists, DDSEC utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to help children develop functional self-management and emotional coping skills. Students receive standard elementary academic instruction in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, fully aligned with Lincoln Public Schools curriculum standards, combined with explicit instruction in emotional regulation and restorative social interactions. Recognized as an Inspire School of the Year by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, DDSEC maintains continuous collaboration with neighborhood home schools to facilitate successful transitions back to general education classrooms.