Description of Student Population:

The CASE program at the Russell Street Elementary School in Littleton serves 8 to 11 year old students with developmental disabilities (grades 3-5) who are either (1) on the PDD/Autism spectrum, or (2) require many of the same instructional strategies that children on the spectrum require.  These include:

• Structured teaching approach (incorporating elements of ABA, “TEACCH,” or similarly researched systems and strategies)
• Ample 1:1 instructional time
• Heavy reliance on visuals and data collection
• Summer programming maximizing continuity of methodology and environment
• Parent training and/or consultation
• Sensory programming or other occupational therapy techniques
• Speech/language/communication programming

Children in this class have supported general education opportunities at grade level within the Russell Street School, individually constructed, per IEPs.  The class also has an affiliation with the CASE ABA Training Program, which may provide any or all of the following for a given student: support in the CASE or mainstream classroom, parent training, summer programming, parent or staff consultation, in-service to staff, or other related services.  Currently the class goes swimming twice monthly.  In addition, the students go out into the community on a regular basis to practice their social, language, safety, and money skills in real life situations.  Enrollment in this class is limited to seven students, and the staff-to-student ratio is between 1:1 and 1:2.  This class may follow the CASE class at Hanscom Primary School as a 2-class sequence.  The development of a program for graduates of this class is currently in the planning stages, and may open in an area middle school as early as September 2010.

Therapy Services:

Occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and physical therapy are incorporated into the students’ programs, per IEPs. Sensory “diet” opportunities are common for students in this program.

Behavioral Parameters:

This class is equipped to address a range of behaviors, but behaviors that compromise staff or student safety or behaviors that make it difficult or impossible for other students in or near the classroom to learn are beyond the scope of the program.  Students will have, as a matter of routine, an Individualized Behavior Management Plan to be reviewed annually or as needed.  A parent component for this program includes bi-monthly “clinics,” focusing specifically on each student’s behaviors and at-home strategies for intervention.

Teacher Qualifications:

This class is run by a licensed special education teacher trained and experienced in ABA, “TEACCH” and/or other “best practice” strategies and methodologies for working with children on the autism spectrum (and children who benefit from supports similar to those on the spectrum).

Referral Additional Information:

Placement 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
Program Administrator
978-318-1536
sdaigneault@colonial.net