Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

Was wondering how special needs are handled in the Merrick and Wantagh school districts? Are there any inclusion classes? Or do the kids attend typical classes with an aide?

Re: Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

I can't speak for those districts specifically, but as a special education teacher, I can say that programs are not set in stone. they are driven by the needs of the student based on their IEP or 504 plan. that said though, most districts have these models in place as they seem to fit the needs of most students with IEPs:

general education with an aide (students with a 504 only are often in this position)

general education with related services (i.e. reading, OT or speech)

general education with resource room support (basically student is taught by a special educator for part of their day)

inclusion classroom (one general education teacher and a special education teacher that is in there all day - some districts call this a co-teach classroom)

self-contained classroom (usually capped at 12 students - these students are usually at least a year or more below grade level)

self-contained classroom (can be capped at 8 students - these students are typically severely delayed- often autistic or intellectually delayed)

students in the self-contained classroom almost always receive related services such as speech and/or OT in addition to the small class)

out-of-district placement: these are for our most needy students who may need a specific school for their needs - can be a BOCES setting or a specfic school for kids with autism, deaf, etc.)

hope this helps!)

Message edited 7/31/2014 2:01:46 AM.

Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

Thank you so much for all of this information. It definitely helps and is truly appreciated!

Re: Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

You can call the district's special ed office and ask if they have inclusion classes. Some districts have them and some do not. Also, not all inclusion classes have a special ed teacher all day. I know someone who teaches inclusion and that is definitely not the case in her class. I would ask how much time the special ed teacher is in the room if you are trying to get information about inclusion classes specifically.

As the AP stated, it depends on the needs of an individual student what services and classes they are assigned to, but for the district, what they offer in terms of the different types of classes, it depends on the population they are serving.

Message edited 7/31/2014 11:23:10 AM.

Re: Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

Re: Special needs in Merrick and Wantagh elementary schools

Thank you dpli !