Special Education » Special Education Programs

Special Education Programs

EARLY CHILDHOOD
The preschool program serves children between the ages of 3 and 5. It focuses on developing a child's speech, language, social, motor and school readiness skills. A certified special education teacher instructs the class. Students may also receive services from other certified or licensed staff, such as occupational, physical, speech and language therapists, or vision and hearing professionals.

ELEMENTARY - RESOURCE AND INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

RESOURCE PROGRAM
This program provides special education services to students less than 60% of the school day. A special education teacher may push-in to the general education classroom to work with the student and teacher within the general education classroom. The special education teacher may also pull students out of the classroom to work on individual or small group instruction. They may also provide consultation to the general education teacher.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS PROGRAM
This program provides special education services to a student 80% or more of the school day who have been entitled for services due to an autism spectrum disorder. Students in these classes benefit from instruction from the certified special education teacher in a small group setting. A classroom aide is also available to assist the teacher with implementing academic accommodations, modifications and implementation of individual behavior plans. The classroom setting is unique in that an abundance of visual and sensory stimulation are used throughout the classroom including picture schedules, picture labels, visual timers, and a variety of sensory equipment. Alternative academic curriculum is utilized to instruct students in the core academic subjects of reading, writing and math. A classroom management plan is also implemented to encourage and reward positive behavior within the school environment.

EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES PROGRAM
This program provides special education services to a student 80% or more of the school day who have been entitled for services due to an emotional disability. Students in these classes benefit from instruction from the certified special education teacher in a small group setting. A classroom aide is also available to assist the teacher with implementing academic accommodations, modifications and implementation of individual behavior plans. This classroom setting is unique in that it is a highly structured environment with clear behavioral rules and expectations. Students are able to access quiet time and individual emotional support on an as needed basis. A token economy system is used to manage student's behavior. Students earn points throughout the day when positive behavior and academic expectations are met. Students earn individual rewards on a daily basis and are rewarded a group on a monthly basis.

CROSS-CATEGORICAL PROGRAM
This program provides special education services to a student 80% or more of the school day who have been entitled for services due to a variety of disabilities. Students in these classes benefit from instruction from the certified special education teacher in a small group setting. A classroom aide is also available to assist the teacher with implementing academic accommodations, modifications and implementation of individual behavior plans. Alternative academic curriculum is utilized to instruct students in the core academic subjects of reading, writing and math. The main focus of the classroom teacher is to teach students functional academic, social and language skills. Social skills, pragmatics, and language skills are taught on a weekly basis to the class as a whole by the social worker and speech and language therapist.

JUNIOR HIGH - RESOURCE AND INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

RESOURCE PROGRAM

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Programs include the emotional disabilities program, the multi-needs program, and the cross-categorical program. Students in these classes benefit from instruction from the certified special education teacher in a small group setting. Depending on the needs of the student, the programs focus on academics, behavioral functioning, and life skills.

OUT-OF-DISTRICT PLACEMENTS
These programs are for students with a variety of significant disabilities who require a highly specialized approach to instruction.