Program Descriptions for Special Education

 

The preschool program and classes are currently located at Crocker Farm Elementary.

Language Learning Disability (LLD) Programs – specialized programming for students whose primary needs are language based and who require a language based approach. These programs are designed to provide highly individualized, systematic, direct instruction to specific students who have a diagnosed language-based learning disability. A language-based learning disability may affect reading, spelling and/or writing. It may impact oral language which includes listening and speaking. The programs may provide explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, written language, and oral language (including pragmatics) dependent upon individual needs.   

 

The District has an LLD program at Fort River Elementary, Amherst Regional Middle School, and the Amherst Regional High School.

 

Academic Individualized Mainstream Support (AIMS) Programs – specialized programming for students who have a high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurological conditions with pragmatic language, executive functioning, socialization and sensory regulation difficulties. These programs offer individualized, comprehensive, and intensive intervention to address these areas.

 

The District currently has an AIMS program at Wildwood Elementary, Amherst Regional Middle School, and the Amherst Regional High School.

 

Intensive Learning Needs Programs – specialized programs for students who present with highly complicated learning profiles and educational needs that require a significant degree of program coordination and service. These students may have one or more disabilities in any of the following areas: Autism, Communication Impairment, Developmental Delay, Health Impairment, Intellectual Impairment, Neurological Impairment, Physical Impairment, Sensory Impairment, and / or Specific Learning Disabilities. These programs provide support and services to students with significant needs within the least restrictive setting while focusing on the individual needs of the students. 

 

Intensive Learning Center – for students in grades K-6; located at Wildwood Elementary

Essential Skills – for students in grades 7 & 8; located at the Amherst Regional Middle School

Developmental Studies - for students in grades 9 – 12; located at the Amherst Regional High School

Vocational Services – provides evaluations, classroom curriculum and life experiences to enhance learning and individual choice. These services assists students in orientation to work, conducts career and skill assessments, assists in career exploration, job development, and provides job coaching to the degree necessary. The primary goal of these services is to create real life work opportunities in integrated settings that require the individual to be productive, responsible and held to the highest level of expectation with the greatest degree of independence possible. Vocational services are currently available at the Amherst Regional High School.

 

School Based Therapeutic Programs - specialized programming for students whose primary needs are social, emotional, and/or behavioral. These programs are designed for students whose needs require a smaller, structured therapeutic setting for all or part of the day. A high staff to student ratio is maintained with individualized programming to meet the needs. Services and support are provided on an individual basis and are to assist students in developing effective coping mechanisms and problem-solving strategies towards becoming more fully integrated with their typical peers when appropriate.

 

Building Blocks – for students in grades K-6; located at Fort River Elementary School

Bridges – for students in grades 7& 8; located in the Amherst Regional Middle School

Student Support Program – for students in grades 9 – 12; located in the Amherst Regional High School

 

The South East Campus (SEC) program offers students with and without special education needs a viable educational alternative to the main campus at the Amherst Regional High School. The program serves students who are non-traditional learners and have complex learning issues.  The program also serves students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs in order to increase their functional academic, pro-social, and adaptive behavioral skills.   This program is for students in grades 9-12 and is located on the South Amherst Common.