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Education plays a critical role in the development of children. The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Emotional Support Program services children who have been identified as needing an individualized level of intervention beyond what is available in their regular school environments. IU8's program:
- Utilizes structured routines and activities
- Helps students manage and improve their behavior and personal adjustment
- Provides opportunities for academic success
- Includes supplementary aides and services as identified by the special education process such as psychological services, social work services, school nurse, and transportation
- Assists school districts and parents in linking with other community resources
Itinerant Emotional Support
The students remain in their regular school setting and meet individually or in small groups with an Emotional Support teacher. The IEP Team decides frequency, duration of services, and sets the goals to be accomplished. The support can include:
- Assisting the students in the development of work and study skills
- Enhancing student self-esteem and confidence
- Teaching strategies for dealing with school and environmental stress
- Teaching skills to cope with emotional, behavioral, and academic problems
- Facilitating communication among the student, school personnel, parents, and others
- Consulting with school and agency personnel on strategies for the student
- Developing a behavioral support plan that addresses strategies and supports to ensure consistent and effective methods for dealing with in-school behaviors
Classroom Emotional Support
The program's focus is on increasing a child's ability to function within the school environment by acquiring skills in problem solving, effective coping strategies, self-management, communication, age appropriate socialization and anger management. The program also includes:
- Academic instruction by PDE certified Special Education Teachers
- Class size limited to 12
- Individualized Education Planning
- Behavioral Support Plan
- Positive learning environment
- Consultation with the school social worker
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