Program Descriptions
Listed below are the descriptions and locations of the NLSD 122 special education program offerings.
Project Begin (PB)
A half-day preschool program that blends students with mild to moderate special education needs with students who have identified at-risk factors and is housed at Cherry Hill School.
Early Childhood (EC)
A special education half-day preschool program that serves students with IEP’s ages 3-5 at Cherry Hill School. Students have more significant needs and require a smaller environment.
Multi-Needs (MN)
Students who have significant medical and/or physical impairments that require a self-contained learning environment to meet their goals/objectives. The program is housed at Cherry Hill School.
EXCEL
Students who require intensive Applied Behavior Analysis services to meet their needs. A unique combination of ABA applications is created for each child based on his/her individualized assessment. Verbal behavior is a primary focus to teach functional language skills to all learners. The EXCEL program is housed at Cherry Hill School.
Developmental Kindergarten (DK)
Students who necessitate full day instruction in a self-contained special education classroom for all academic instruction. Goals and objectives are addressed as written on the student’s IEP. In addition, students will work on functional academic and adaptive skills when appropriate to meet their needs. Related services are provided according to student’s IEP. The DK program is housed at Spencer Trail School.
Speech/Language (S/L)
Students who meet the criteria for Speech/Language eligibility will receive services within their general education class or in a special education setting based on the student’s needs.
Resource (R)
Special education services for students whose needs can be met in the general education setting with support and related services. Services offered may include: instruction in the general education curriculum with accommodations/modifications, small group pull out resource support, co-teaching, and/or consultation with general education teachers. Special education services may occur within the general education classroom or as a pullout service. Primary (grades K-3), Intermediate (grades 4-6), Jr. High (grades 7-8).
Collaborative
Special education instruction for students whose needs can be met in the general education setting but whose academic deficits are such that they require special education instruction and support from a resource teacher within the general education classroom for the entire class period. Instruction is delivered as an equal partnership and status between the general education teacher and special education teacher. Both certified teachers share in the instruction which is differentiated to address the individual needs of the students. General education curriculum topics and materials are utilized, however can be modified in the scope and pace of concepts delivered. Jr. High (grades 7-8)
Instructional (I)
Instruction is provided for a portion of the student's day within a self-contained special education classroom to meet goals and objectives written on the student’s IEP. Instruction and curriculum are based on the student’s instructional level. Primary (grades 1-3), Intermediate (grades 4-6), Jr. High (grades 7-8).
School-Based Consulting Team (SBC)
The school-based consulting team (SBC team) is a team of NLSD 122 staff that consults with building teams to assist students, teachers, and classrooms regarding educational, communication, and behavioral needs. The team designs, outlines, and models specific strategies and interventions for staff and students to be successful.
Specialized Instruction (SI)
Students (grades 1-8) who benefit from instruction in a self-contained special education classroom for all academic instruction. Goals and objectives are addressed as written on the student’s IEP. In addition, students will work on functional academic and adaptive skills when appropriate to meet their needs. Primary (grades 1-3) Haines, Intermediate (grades 4-6) Oster-Oakview, Jr. High (grades 7-8) Liberty Junior High
REACH
The REACH program is designed to provide students with significant social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs a structured and consistent learning environment in an alternative setting. The REACH program maintains a low staff to student ratio so the students are always receiving behavioral feedback throughout their entire day. The program has an on-site administrator, a social worker, a BCBA, special education teachers as well as support staff.
Adaptive PE
An individualized program of instruction for students with disabilities that enables success in physical education. Services are determined by the student’s IEP Team.
Homebound
Services are provided in conjunction with a statement from a licensed medical physician when a student’s medical condition prevents them from attending school for more than 2 consecutive weeks or an ongoing intermittent basis.
Hearing Services
Instructional services for students who are deaf or those with an impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects the child's educational performance. Instruction is provided as outlined in the student's IEP and is provided by a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services may include instruction within the general education setting with accommodations/modifications, instruction outside of the general education classroom, and/or consultation with the general education teachers.
Vision Services
Instructional services for students with an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. Instruction is provided as outlined in the student's IEP and is provided by a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired. Services may include instruction within the general education setting with accommodations/modifications, instruction outside of the general education classroom, and/or consultation with the general education teachers.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility is a related service provided to students with visual impairments that teaches the student safe, efficient, and effective travel skills. Instruction is provided by a certified orientation and mobility specialist so that the student can help develop or relearn the skills and concepts needed to travel safely and independently within their school, home, and in the community.