Rights in the Classroom
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Individualized Education Program (IEP)An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a student's official documentation granting special education services. This contract between a student and the department of education ensures that the student's right to public education in the least restrictive environment (being in a general classroom as much as possible) is protected. The goal of an IEP is to reduce the impact of a student's disability or disabilities on their educational success.
A student's IEP lists their diagnosed disabilities by the corresponding categories in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It also states mandatory accommodations which educators must provide or supports and services which educational institutions must provide. Accommodations can include extended testing time, access to assistive technology, having frequent breaks, or many others. Supports may include occupational or physical therapy, while services could include transportation. |
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These special education services vary widely based on the needs of the student and are evaluated annually by a Case Conference Committee (CCC) of the parents, educators, therapists, and anyone else whom the parents invite. Case conferences or CCC meetings occur at least once a year or when the student transfers schools. Additional CCC meetings can be held at any time per the parent's request. At these meetings educators and therapists share data about student progress, and parents voice strengths and concerns of their student. Goals from the IEP are evaluated and may be updated.
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How Partners Can Assist
Partners maintains positive working relationships with local schools. A cohesive support system is crucial to the success of every student. Therefore, Partners is committed to partnering with all professionals on a student's team so the student can reach their best possible outcome.
Partners' BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) attend and participate in CCC meetings. They prepare transition plans well in advance to ensure transitions into classroom settings happen smoothly. They also meet with the school as needed to monitor the success of accommodations and track student progress.
For children who are not yet ready to attend a typical classroom, our transitional classroom, On Your Way Academy, offers a support system to build classroom readiness skills. These skills include interacting positively with peers, taking turns, raising a hand to speak, following directions, and many more. Each child in our On Your Way Academy work one on one with our skilled staff, and the classroom is managed by a Licensed Elementary Educator to maximize the authenticity of the classroom setting. The Licensed Elementary Educator and the student's BCBA work together to regularly evaluate each child's progress and classroom readiness.
The On Your Way Academy staff continue to work alongside the child's BCBA when the child is ready to transition to a typical classroom. Continued communication ensures that the transition happens smoothly and that the child's needs remain supported. Even after transition is complete, our BCBAs remain involved through CCC meetings and other contact with the parents and school.
Partners' BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) attend and participate in CCC meetings. They prepare transition plans well in advance to ensure transitions into classroom settings happen smoothly. They also meet with the school as needed to monitor the success of accommodations and track student progress.
For children who are not yet ready to attend a typical classroom, our transitional classroom, On Your Way Academy, offers a support system to build classroom readiness skills. These skills include interacting positively with peers, taking turns, raising a hand to speak, following directions, and many more. Each child in our On Your Way Academy work one on one with our skilled staff, and the classroom is managed by a Licensed Elementary Educator to maximize the authenticity of the classroom setting. The Licensed Elementary Educator and the student's BCBA work together to regularly evaluate each child's progress and classroom readiness.
The On Your Way Academy staff continue to work alongside the child's BCBA when the child is ready to transition to a typical classroom. Continued communication ensures that the transition happens smoothly and that the child's needs remain supported. Even after transition is complete, our BCBAs remain involved through CCC meetings and other contact with the parents and school.