Ridgefield Magnet School Program: The Learning Center

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1 Ridgefield Magnet School Program: The Learning Center With a wide-array of programs and educational opportunities, the Ridgefield Magnet School, aka, the Learning Center provides programs for students classified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Preschool Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, and Behavioral Disabilities. The Learning Center provides for the educational and social-emotional needs of its students, and helps them become independent learners, and active participants in their community. The Ridgefield Special Education Programs provide a continuum of services for students ages Housed in the district s public schools, the mainstream settings provide students with ample opportunities for inclusion with typical peers in academic and non-academic settings, including all extra-curricular activities. Community Based Instruction (CBI) is an integral part of each program and gives students the opportunity to generalize those skills learned in school. Shaler Academy provides instruction for students ages preschool through 8. Slocum-Skewes School provides instruction for students ages Ridgefield Memorial High School (RMHS) has programs for students ages For students of high school age, the Magnet School has two distinct programs: a departmentalized, academically-based program that offers students a more traditional high school experience, and a life skills program that feeds into our age program. All of our programs are full-day, and we offer extended school year programs for students. All Learning Center programs are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Along with individualized academic instruction at the students individual levels, self-help skills and life skills are taught throughout each student s day. The Learning Center teachers and related services staff are all certified, including special area teachers, and there is ongoing professional and paraprofessional staff training throughout each school year. The district has two Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Speech and Language Specialists, Occupational and Physical Therapists, and Social Workers on staff. Teachers and related service staff members work in collaboration with the student s family and home district to ensure that the individual needs of the students are met. There is daily communication between the

2 school and the parents, and the district has an open door policy for parent observation and parent conferences/training. Both RMHS and Slocum-Skewes School have fully equipped ADL rooms, which include functioning appliances where the students can practice life skills in a real-life setting.

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4 All of the schools utilize cutting-edge technology, including the use of ipads, laptops, SMART Boards, SMART Tables, and Nao robots.

5 Pre-School Disabled and Pre-School Autism Program Housed in Shaler Academy, we have full-day programs for students who are classified as Pre-School Disabled and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Pre-School Disabled class maintains a 3:1 student-staff ratio, while the pre-school ASD class maintains a 2:1 student-staff ratio. Both programs service students 3-5, and incorporate the following: Use of the EDEN Curriculum Discrete Trial Instruction Data recording on all programs and targeted behaviors Picture activity schedules Picture Exchange Communication System Small group and large group instruction Individualized behavior interventions plans created and implemented as needed Weekly consultation between the behavior analyst, teachers, and paraprofessionals, as well as the related services staff

6 Behaviorally Disabled Program (High School Students) For students with behavioral challenges, the Behaviorally Disabled (BD) Program located at RMHS offers students an academically-based program. The program has a 4:1 student-teacher ratio. Small group counseling with an on-staff social worker, as well as individual counseling as needed, is an integral part of the program.

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8 Autism Spectrum Disorder For students classified with ASD, ages 5-21 years old, the Ridgefield schools offer programs with a 2:1 student to teacher ratio. The EDEN Assessment and Curriculum is used as a tool to assess students and provide instruction at each student s individual level. With a focus on helping students become independent and self-sufficient, academics are taught to meet individual student needs. In addition to reading, math, social studies and science, the Circles curriculum is used to teach health, hygiene, and sex education, when appropriate. Social skills are taught throughout each day. Instruction is delivered in both small and whole groups, and discrete trial instruction, as appropriate. All classes follow a general classroom behavior plan, based on the principals of ABA, and, when needed, individualized behavior intervention plans are created and implemented.

9 Multiple Disabilities Program Programs for students with multiple disabilities begin when the student is age 3, and continue through elementary, middle, and high school levels. The high school Multiple Disabilities Program is departmentalized and offers students the opportunity to be part of the STRIVE Program. Each MD class provides inclusion opportunities, a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, and a focus on life skills and social skills, in addition to academics.

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11 Transition Services The Learning Center has transition services for all students ages 16 and over. With a transition coordinator, two Structured Learning Experience (SLE) Teachers, a Transition Assistant, and seven Job Coaches, students are able to gain real-life job experiences in a variety of places. Jobsites include Englewood and Holy Name Hospitals, town libraries, Applebee s, Marriott, Crown Plaza, Sunrise Assisted Living, and various placements throughout the schools in the district. Each student participates in job sampling at various locations as part of their SLE, beginning at age 16. In addition, the transition team works with the students and their parents to help them prepare for the world of work and postgraduation. Including possible guardianship and applying for state services.

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16 STRIVE Program (Strides Towards Reaching Independence Via Education) For students who need a more life-skills oriented program, both RMHS and Slocum-Skewes School (for those students who need a more self-contained school) offer the STRIVE Program. Created in 2007, this unique program provides a comprehensive life skills education in the areas of daily living, personal, social skills, and occupational preparation, where students with special needs can best develop these skills. The STRIVE Program services students ages Job internship experiences as well as community based instruction (CBI) make up the majority of the curriculum. The students are scheduled for CBI weekly to teach, develop, generalize, and assess skills in the

17 community. Also available, is the PRE-STRIVE Program for students ages who need a more intense life skills program before entering the STRIVE Program. Functional academics and community-based instruction, as well as job sampling, are all included in the program. Pre-STRIVE classes are located at Slocum-Skewes School.

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23 BOARD OF EDUCATION of the BOROUGH OF RIDGEFIELD New Jersey Dr. Frank Romano Superintendent Mrs. Pat Drimones Supervisor of Special Education Ridgefield Learning Center: Ridgefield Memorial High School: Mr. Steve Kahn Program Supervisor Shaler Academy Mr. Peter Noonan Program Supervisor Slocum-Skewes School Dr. Laurie Densen Program Supervisor

24 Ridgefield Public Schools SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH ALL DISABILITIES