CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The curriculum supports the development of the whole child by addressing the academic, social, and emotional growth of each individual. It is intended to be delivered through the selection of research-based programs and specialized instructional techniques that support students having learning differences. This curriculum is based on our belief in the importance of providing students with developmentally appropriate content and skill development in each subject area, with the understanding that many skills and concepts are taught over a period of time using progressively more challenging materials and having increased expectations for student performance. Each teacher’s curriculum guide provides a well-articulated map for instruction. Our curriculum philosophy directly supports the school’s mission in supporting students with learning differences in becoming competent learners and resilient individuals. Through a curriculum that provides a structured scope and sequence of skills that are continually reinforced and assessed, students are supported in learning how to learn, how to problem solve, and how to think critically.

Our curriculum philosophy is reflective of our curriculum values. The following principles guide our work.

  We value:

• A belief in the potential of all learners
• Respect and support for individual learning differences
• Best practices in teaching and learning
• Collaborative decision-making
• Ongoing curriculum analysis and development
• Differentiation in instructional practices
• Purposeful assessment that fosters increased student progress and guides curricular decisions
• Effective professional development

In an effort to support our commitment to continuous improvement, our goals are to make curriculum decisions based on the needs of our learners, to continually seek out current research-based programs and practices, to continue the ongoing development of a comprehensive curriculum, to continue to revise and refine curriculum documents, and to engage in collaborative decision-making

INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)

All children receiving special education services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a important document, development by the IEP team that describes the child’s needs and how the school will provide the special educational services that will meet those in needs.

The IEP is considered an educational plan that:

• Describes the child’s skills and areas of need
• Outlines the plan of specially-designed instruction to address those skills and maximize skills
• Identifies educational goals to focus on during the year
• Lists the services to be provided to the student
• Identifies the appropriate educational placement

Pre-Requisites
All parents need to complete the information in the registration package as well as additional relevant background information including psychological assessments, paediatrician requests, and other reports by relevant medical professionals.

Class Set-Up
SCO1A- Early Intervention
For: Children between 2.5 to 4 years old
Number of students: 6
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: For children at risk

SCO1B- Pre-Kindergarten (Half day)
For: Children between 3.5 to 5 years old
Number of students: 6
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: Emerging language and pre-academic skills

SCO1C- Pre-Kindergarten (Full day)
For: Children between 3.5 to 5 years old
Number of students: 6
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: Emerging language and pre-academic skills

SCO1D- Kindergarten
For: Children between 4 to 6 years old
Number of students: 6
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: Kindergarten academic skills and language development

SCO2- Junior
For: Children between 6 to 9 years old
Number of students: 8
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: Kindergarten, first grade, academic skills and language, 1st & 2nd grade academic skills with emphasis on language development

SCO3- Senior
For: Children between 10 to 21 years old
Number of students: 8
Number of staff: 1 teacher, 2 teaching assistants
Focus: 3rd to 8th grade academic skills, life and pre-vocational skills

 

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