COSER 202

Preparing students for their future

Elementary &  Secondary

 The Elementary Program

The Elementary "Bridges" (12:1:1*) program consists of primary and intermediate classes, and serves children ages 5 to 13 who are diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. ­This program is located at Newfield Elementary School. Students are included in school wide events and presentations as well as art, music, and PE classes. Students also have opportunities to participate in regular education classes as appropriate. A multi-sensory teaching approach is utilized which addresses the individual needs of the students. The curriculum is focused on functional academics, life skills, social skills, and general community skills. The lessons are presented at a developmentally appropriate level and students are given many opportunities to actively practice skills in the class and in the community.

*12:1:1 represents 12 students /
1 teacher / 1 paraprofessional

The Secondary Program

The Secondary "Bridges" program serves students who are diagnosed with mental retardation and/or are developmentally delayed age 14 to 21. The program is located in the Smith School on the TST BOCES central campus. The program is departmentalized into junior and senior high levels. Graduates in this program receive an IEP diploma.

The focus of our program is on functional academics, life skills, social skills, and community integration. Vocational trainings are coordinated through the supervised work experience program and include both on and off campus work experience.

The academic curriculum provides age-appropriate content taught at the student's functional levels. Core academic areas such as reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health are learned and actively practiced in class and the local community.

Students are also taught life skills such as cooking, house keeping, health and hygiene through our Independent Living Skills curriculum. Art, music, and Adaptive Physical Education, (APE) classes are included in every student's program.

All Secondary "Bridges" 12:1:1 students receive pre-vocational training and participate in real work experiences through the TST BOCES supervised work experience program. Students receive at least one hour per day of vocational training, on-campus or at an off-campus setting.

Other Activities

The Secondary "Bridges" 12:1:1 program also provides an environment where students can develop positive self-esteem and appropriate social skills. As part of a large peer group, students develop friendships and learn socially responsible behaviors such as caring, generosity, honesty, trust, sharing, and respect. Students participate in various social events such as the Valentine's Square Dance, Spaghetti Supper, school prom, various musical productions and annual overnight trips.

Bridges

¨       Elementary program located in Newfield Elementary School

¨       Departmentalized secondary program at Smith School

¨       Team approach

¨       Focus on functional academics

¨       Independent living skills

¨       Vocational classes for secondary students

¨       Community trips

¨       Special events

¨       Access to Assistive Technology

Related Services

The Elementary and Secondary "Bridges" 12:1:1 programs offer Counseling, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Vision Therapy in integrated, small group and individualized settings for those who require such services.

Student Placement

Students are placed through a referral process and recommendation from the local school district's Committee on Special Education.

Transition

Students with an IEP are required to have a Transition Plan upon reaching 15 years of age. The Transition Plan is created and evolves through annual meetings that include the student, parents, teachers, other team members and appropriate agencies. Transition Plans are made to ensure that each student has the opportunity to achieve future goals in living and work environments after graduation.

Students receive an IEP Diploma upon graduation, which typically occurs at the age of 21