Description of PopulationThe CASE A-Plus Preschool Program at Bedford High School serves children ages 3-5 who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, including PDD,or those who have similar educational needs. These children present with delays in several or all of the following areas:
Program DescriptionThe A-Plus Preschool Program provides individualized special education programming for children 3-5 years old, using a model that focuses on the strengths and needs of the children in all developmental areas. Instructional strategies include a structured teaching approach with a heavy reliance on visual supports, data collection, communication and social skill development, as well as parent consultation and training. A-Plus Program services may include any or all of the following: applied behavior analysis (ABA), Floortime, social skills group, or picture exchange communication system (PECS) for functional communication, in addition to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, per the students' IEPs. Generally, therapy is provided at a workstation in the classroom to enhance the opportunities for coordination of therapy services and classroom programming, and to promote generalization of skills. Various service options are available, in formats ranging from individual to small group instruction to inclusion in a local preschool class adjacent to the CASE program. Activities include gross motor group, circle time, oral motor group, language group, communication programs, fine motor skill development, cognitive work sessions, symbolic or sensory play times, and self-help training. An experiential learning component provided by a professional music teacher is currently part of the program. Behavioral consultation services are incorporated into the program, as needed, as are other specialty services, e.g. the services of a vision teacher or a consultant for children with hearing loss. The CASE Consultation and Education Technoloogy Team (CETT) provides individualized consultation and training in the area of assistive technology for students in this class as well as other CASE programs. The CASE A-Plus Program is located in the same wing of Bedford High School as the Bedford Integrated Preschool. Activities with typically developing peers are incorporated into the schedule for many CASE students to enhance the development of language and social skills, and to provide opportunities for students to practice their skills in a more typical preschool setting.
Parent/Teacher CommunicationParents are involved in their child's program in a variety of ways:
Special Medical NeedsA detailed emergency procedure is provided for children with concerning medical conditions, e.g. allergies, seizures, heart conditions. In cases where a child's medical needs are extensive, and/or where the potential for emergency situations exists, the Team develops a School Care Plan, with input and endorsement by the child's physician and parents. The School Care Plan outlines routine and emergency medical procedures to be employed at school and delineates criteria for carrying out those procedures. A program nurse (R.N.) is on staff at the preschool at all times.
School Calendar and HoursThe CASE Developmental Preschool Program follows the calendar of the Bedford Public Schools, with the exception of a delayed first day of school to allow students who have been referred to the program during the summer to have intake evaluations and begin the year with everyone else. A parent-child open house is also scheduled prior to the first day of school. The preschool program currently runs from 8:20 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 8:20 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, comprising a 25-hour instructional week. There is no naptime or recess; specialized activities are scheduled for the children in 30-minute modules throughout the day. Starting in September 2011, the Preschool will increase from a 25 to a 30-hour instructional week.
Summer ComponentPreschool students whose IEPs specify extended school year programming may continue in the CASE Developmental Preschool beyond the normal close of school in June. CASE provides a five-week extension of the program each summer at the Parker Damon Building in Acton, an air-conditioned facility. The summer program addresses the students' IEP objectives in much the same way as the regular school year program. However, formal parent-teacher meetings do not take place in the summer, and integration with children who do not have special needs is not available during the summer session. A student in the A-Plus Program may participate in an extension of the 5-week summer program, in June and/or August, if such extended year services are required per the student's IEP.
Additional InformationPlacement in a CASE program is by consensus of the sending school district, parent, and CASE staff. Current, signed IEP and placement pages are required for enrollment in all CASE classes. Referrals to a CASE program are initiated by the school district. Parents may obtain additional information about this or other CASE classes by contacting the special education office in their district. District personnel may obtain additional information by contacting the CASE Office at the number below. Please direct inquiries and referrals to: Sandra Daigneault
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Central Office: 120 Meriam Road Concord MA 01742 Tel: 978-318-1534 Fax: 978-371-7858 |