Special Education Programs & Academic Support

Pre-School

Early-On Program

Early-On Program is a special education program for infants from birth to three years of age. Staff members provide services to these children to facilitate reaching their optimal level of educational functioning. The staff members include an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Psychologist, School Social Worker and a Speech and Language Provider. Together, these professionals provide an educational program that will prepare each child to succeed in school.

Early Childhood Special Education Programs

Early Childhood Special Education Programs (ECSE) are an intensive preschool program established to provide support to children with a variety of identified special needs. The students range in age from three to six years. The programs provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum with opportunities for "hands on" experiences, social interactions, and active engagement in the learning process. The ECSE meets two to four days per week for two and one half-hours. There can be as many as twelve children in attendance. A Teacher of Early Childhood Special Education provide primary instruction with the assistance of a paraprofessional. A Speech and Language Provider, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Social Worker and School Psychologist may provide additional support. To support parent participation and education, group meetings are scheduled as well as extensive home /school communication systems.

Preschool Speech and Language

Some students who are eligible for special education, who are between the ages of two and five, may not need the level of support of the Early Intervention or Preprimary Program. Rochester Community School offers several programs that address specific speech and language needs of the young preschooler. Staff and parents at the IEP will discuss options for preschool speech.

K-12 Continuum of Programs and Services

The programming options listed below are in order from the least to the most restrictive.

Teacher Consultant Services

Special Education students are enrolled in general education classes with the support of a certified Teacher Consultant. The Teacher Consultant works with the general education teacher to help make accommodations for the student. The Teacher Consultant provides direct support to instructional staff while providing indirect support to students.

Special Education Resource Programs

Eligible students are enrolled in general education for the majority of their day. A Special Education Teacher for the remainder of the school day provides direct instructional support to the student in areas of identified need. The Special Education Teacher in the resource program will instruct and grade students in the areas of weakness as well as provide consultation to the student’s general education teacher. Resource Programs are available in all of the schools within the district.

Special Education Classroom Programs

For students who require more extensive special education support, self-contained classrooms are available. Self-contained classrooms provide up to full-time special education support for students. Students participate with non-handicapped peers in all areas deemed appropriate by the IEP.