Related Services
Speech and Language Support
Speech and language therapy is an opportunity for students to receive services related to their specific articulation and/or language needs. Students are identified either through the Committee on Special Education and receive services as part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or are identified at the building level and receive services through the Speech Improvement Program or a Related Service Plan.
Therapy can address language usage and understanding, which includes (but is not limited to), following directions, answering and asking a variety of questions, understanding and using language concepts and vocabulary, as well as using correct grammar and sentence structure. Use and understanding of the social aspects of language may also be addressed. This may include conversational turn-taking, topic maintenance, using relevant and cohesive messages, understanding/conveying point-of-view and identifying emotions.
Students can also receive articulation (speech sound production) therapy. A child who may benefit from articulation therapy might substitute sounds, leave sounds out, add sounds, or change sounds. Developmentally, children should be able to produce certain sounds by a given age.
Therapy may also be provided to help students use appropriate voice quality or learn strategies to help reduce stuttering.
Helpful Links
More About Speech and Language
Articulation Word Lists/Pictures
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical Therapy services are offered in school to assist students that have difficulty meeting the physical demands of their school day. Physical Therapy is recommended when a student’s physical impairment or gross motor delay negatively impacts their learning, safety, or independence in school. Physical Therapy goals address impairments in strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and/or safe participation in school-based physical activities. Physical therapists also assist with positioning, seating modifications, gait training, orthotics usage, wheelchair training, and sensory-motor breaks within the classroom. In order to qualify for physical therapy services, a student must be assessed by the physical therapist and then authorized by his/her doctor.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapy is a related service, provided to students that qualify within the school system. Occupational Therapy services support the child’s educational needs. Occupational Therapy provides meaningful activities to address the development of physical needs: eye-hand coordination, bilateral coordination, bi-manual skills, midline crossing, left and right discrimination skills, core strengthening, proximal shoulder stability, upper extremity strengthening, fine motor skills, visual perceptual, visual motor skills, and sensory-motor processing, for successful educational task participation. Occupational Therapy can also address self-care skills and activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy works in conjunction with the parents and classroom staff/school personnel to carry over strategies and exercises to facilitate skills development.
Occupational Therapy services can be provided through consultation (with students and/or with the staff working with the students), or individually and in groups that may be provided in the therapy room or within the child’s classroom, dependent on the student’s needs. Once a child is evaluated by Occupational Therapy and service recommendations are determined, a Physicians Referral is obtained, for the child to receive Occupational Therapy services.
Counseling
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling activities focus on the issues that include academic, behavioral, and social development. The different types of groups offered include social skills, coping skills, and friendship group.
Individual Counseling
Our counselors provide students with an environment that enables them to communicate freely and openly. We strive to know each student and provide them with the necessary tools to be successful.
Teacher and Parent Collaboration
Our counselors collaborate with teachers and parents to find the most effective methods to help each child reach their full potential.
Classroom Counseling Lessons
We provide all classrooms with a comprehensive anti-bullying and positive peer relationships presentation throughout the school year. This helps us to provide our students a safe learning environment.