Key Elements of Inclusion

“What is Inclusion?The term inclusion implies a certain educational placement philosophy, interdisciplinary team planning approach, instructional method and attitude.” “Inclusion DOES NOT necessarily mean that a student never leaves the class and is never paired with another student who receives special education services. Rather, it means that the student is truly a member of a…

The Role of ParaEducators in Inclusive Schools

“A paraeducator is an individual who provides instructional or related support to students under the direction and supervision of a certified teacher. In the last two decades, the roles and responsibilities of paraeducators in inclusive schools have reached new levels of importance. The role of paraeducators has evolved from clerical support to personal support, such as feeding…

Individual Student Planning – Planning Transition from Special Education Classes to General Education Settings

“Before a student moves from a self-contained special education class to a general education setting in his or her neighborhood school for the first time, the school system support staff will need to initiate a planning process to ensure that the supports and services are in place when the student starts school. The planning process…

School Behavior – Strategies & Resources

The website www.schoolbehavior.com holds a host of resources on multiple diagnoses and their related behaviors.  Suggestions for classroom and home abound.  Leslie Packer has compiled a valuable list of recommendations for various scenarios and situations related to behaviors based in neurological conditions.  Parents and educators, you’ll want to bookmark this one! From Leslie Packer –…

Champions Club

Champions Club is a specially designed developmental area for kids, youth, and adults with special needs. Our goal was to develop a program that would meet the developmental needs of children in four important ways, SPIRITUALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, MENTALLY, and PHYSICALLY. Our focus was on spiritual growth through God’s Word, developing the intellect of each participant…

Sunday School Curriculum Pilot Project

  Do you have one or more children in your church who have mild-significantly different ability levels than their peers? Have you ever struggled with how to teach your Christian Ed curriculum to them so that they understand and learn? Have you ever wished you knew how to adapt your Sunday School lessons or make…

Why You Should NOT Welcome My Special Needs Child to Your Church

“The truth is, I wish you would welcome my special needs child to your church, but for many, there is a work to be done first. Please check your heart and the heart of your church. There are families slipping through the cracks…90% of special needs families to be exact. The Church has a great…

Individual Education Account (IEA) – Voucher Option for Education of Students with Disabilities

The “Individualized Education Act”, adopted by the General Assembly in 2015 per Public Chapter 431, creates the Individualized Education Account Program and related accounts (IEA) for eligible students with disabilities to use for educational purposes. The program provides options for parents and students to choose the education opportunities that best meet their own unique needs…