Special Education Department
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Our Mission
The mission of the LEARN Special Education Department is to create a safe and nurturing educational environment that will foster the individual growth of all students. Our focus is on the cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral development of students through the use of a multi-disciplinary program. This environment values individual differences, while promoting respect, responsibility, kindness, compassion, safety and good citizenship.
Promoting the belief that all students can learn, the Special Education department strives to support school systems in Southeastern CT. LEARN provides Special Education classrooms for preschool through high school students. Some of our classrooms are located in public schools throughout Southeastern CT, enabling students to be included with peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Others are community based to foster independent working and vocational skills. Classroom services such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Physical Education, Specialized Nursing, Counseling and Social Services are incorporated as needed.
LEARN services range in intensity from a single consultation to a LEARN-staffed, self-contained classroom. LEARN also has a tradition of keeping pace with the changing needs of our districts.
LEARN ABA
LEARN Special Education offers both a center-based program and a school district based program founded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a systematic method of increasing socially appropriate behaviors and decreasing problematic behavior. ABA is based on scientific principals such as reinforcement, breaking skills down, and teaching them in small steps. Data is collected on these skills and analyzed to guide instruction in the program. Teaching occurs in many settings including discrete trials, incidentally, and in groups. Key skills that are focused on include social, motor, verbal, and reasoning.
Classrooms are staffed with a Certified Special Education teacher, who also supervise staff and helps to train the Instructional Assistants/Intervention Specialists. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an integral part of the program. The Consultant is responsible for curriculum development, behavior plans, and the training of the staff and overall clinical supervision of the program.
In some school district models, LEARN supports district programs through consultation, coordination, and provision of trained staff.
For more information on the LEARN ABA School Support Network, go to www.learnaba.org
Clinical Day Treatment
The Clinical Day Treatment programs provide education and clinical services to students with mental health and/or psychiatric issues. Clinical consultation is included. The programs service Elementary, Middle and High School level students in the New London School District.
Emotional Disturbance
The ED program provides education for students identified with Emotional Disturbance. These classrooms focus on behaviorally challenged students and create a supportive environment to address academic, social and behavioral goals. Direct and consultative clinical support is included in each program.
RICHES
The RICHES program provides education for students identified with developmental disabilities, multiple handicaps and/or medically complex needs. These classrooms offer students opportunities to learn and develop in an environment that encourages independence for individuals with physical, medical, intellectual, and behavioral challenges. Classrooms are equipped with various levels of adaptive equipment and assistive technology for daily student use. Nursing and Related Services are integral aspects of this program. This program services elementary, middle and high school level students. The program transitions students to the world of work and community.
Extended School Year
The Extended School Year program services area school districts for identified students, in addition to those students in LEARN school year programs, who are recommended by PPT for extended school year services. Related services are available to fulfill individual student needs. The program runs for 5 weeks during the summer. This program services elementary, middle and high school level students.
Special Education Services
Occupational, Physical, and Speech/Language Therapy services are available to area schools for specific student needs or as staff to hire on a block contract basis. Social Workers and Behaviorists are also available on a contract basis to districts. Consultant contracts are available to support district staff members who are direct Related Service providers, by providing peer support, collaboration, and networking assistance.
LEARN serves as a collaborative resource within the educational environment of the student. Our experience includes: behavior management, curriculum modification/adaptation, social skill development, inclusion, adaptive equipment, toilet training, ecological assessment, inclusion and functional evaluations. Teacher consultation and technical assistance addresses individual needs.