Програма запуску

Бачення

The vision of the Launch program is to model and teach students skills related to lifelong communication, social interactions, behavioral regulation and independence in order to be productive members of their school and community. In the Launch program, students will have access to increased visual supports, intentional language instruction, and sensory tools in the special education setting before venturing out into the general education setting. Launch is about exactly that, launching students forward. The program provides children with intensive early support, building a strong foundation of skills so they can grow toward greater independence and participation in their school and community over time.

Опис програми

The Launch program provides each student with the individualized instruction, support, and services needed to access the general education setting to increase independence, provide social interaction, and, when appropriate, academic opportunities with peers.

Staff use evidence-based strategies and draw on each student's strengths to guide their growth. Services focus on highly structured, individualized programming in:

Communication and language: building conversational skills, expanding vocabulary, and increasing flexibility with language
Emotional and behavioral regulation: learning to recognize and manage feelings and responses in everyday situations
Sensory development: activities that support sensory processing and help students feel ready to learn
Social skills: developing the ability to connect with peers and navigate social situations
Self-care and functional skills: building independence in personal care and daily routines
Academic skills: accessing learning at each student's individual level

Учні, які навчаються за цією програмою, мають особливі потреби, що можуть супроводжуватися когнітивними порушеннями або ні; більшість із них потребують значної підтримки у сферах комунікативного, сенсорного та поведінкового розвитку й саморегуляції. Зазвичай учні отримують спеціалізовані освітні послуги протягом понад 60 % навчального дня. Педагогічний колектив зосереджується на позитивних якостях та сильних сторонах кожного учня, щоб допомогти їм досягти успіхів у розвитку зазначених навичок.

Модель надання послуг та кадрове забезпечення

A full continuum of services is available and provided as indicated on a student’s IEP. Services may be delivered in a variety of ways, including individual and small group instruction in the center-based classroom for all or part of the school day, as well as specialized educational supports being provided within the general education setting.

Each Launch center-based program classroom/caseload consists of approximately 6-8 students with one licensed special education teacher and paraprofessional support. A Speech-Language Pathologist is embedded into the program for the full school day to support and optimize communication development with all students within the program. Additional services and supports are available based upon the student’s Individualized Education Plan goals and needs. Support staff may include, but is not limited to: occupational therapist, developmental/adapted physical education teacher, social worker, behavior strategist, physical therapist, vision specialist, teacher of the physically impaired, and school nurse.

Розміщення

For placement in a center-based program, such as Launch, students must be eligible to receive special education services. Placement in Launch is always an IEP team decision, made collaboratively by families, educators, and specialists. All district center-based programs are multi-categorical based on student needs. The Launch program primarily serves students with needs identified and qualified for special education services under the categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), Developmental Delay (DD), as well as a secondary disability category of Speech/Language Impairment (SLI).

Before a referral is made, the school team works to provide additional support and interventions within the student's current environment. If those supports are not sufficient to meet the student's needs, a referral may be initiated. Placement decisions are guided by current evaluation data, the student's IEP goals, and a careful review of the least restrictive environment that will best support the student’s growth and success.