School Age Classrooms

Classrooms Designed to Optimize Educational Success

Students with special needs who are 5 to 22 years of age receive instruction in small groups of 6, 8 or 12 students, as well as individualized support to optimize success in school. Instructional groups are based on the educational achievement, social and physical development and management needs of students as outlined in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed by the Committee on Special Education. Classrooms are located in integrated settings, school buildings or community-based sites to encourage and enhance opportunities for interaction with typically developing peers. Students may participate in school activities and academic classes with their peers enrolled in the general education program for academic and special subject area courses. Opportunities for work experience and/or career/technical education are available for secondary students.
 
Referrals to BOCES 2 special education school age classrooms come from a student’s home school district. Parents are encouraged to speak with a representative from their child’s district for more information about the referral process.

12:1:2

Motion exercises
This is a district-based program for students grades K-12 with moderate to severe learning challenges, along with some emotional, physical and/or management needs. The focus of the class is to help students to develop academic, social and emotional strengths to maximize their learning and growth. At the secondary level, students may access career readiness and/or vocational programming. These students typically benefit from further skill development in the areas of functional academics, activities of daily living, vocational awareness and training, social skills and community orientation.

6:1:1 Medically Complex

Students with aides
This district-based program is for students grades K-12 with multiple and severe disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or traumatic brain injuries. The focus of the class is to help students develop academic, social and emotional strengths to maximize their learning and growth.

6:1:2 Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Spring Olympics
This is a district-based program for students grades K-12 with a diagnosis of Autism or unique needs associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program is highly structured, utilizing individualized learning opportunities and the SCERTS® model as appropriate based on student needs.

6:1:1 Behavior Management

This district-based program helps students grades 7-12 who require small group instruction for their management needs. The program focuses on standards-based academic skills and social-emotional development using a variety of strategies based on student strengths. Students may access mainstream classroom opportunities as appropriate.

6:1:2 Complex Needs

Two students smiling
A program designed for students grades K-12 with intensive management needs due to emotional and/or behavioral disabilities which may be further complicated by developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. This program offers standards-based academics and social-emotional development using a variety of strategies centered on student strengths. The program includes enriched mental health support services, pro-social skills training and therapeutic crisis intervention.

6:1:1 Center-Based

Chili Cook off lunch
This program is for students grades 7-12 with severe psychiatric, social and emotional challenges that impact learning. Students are supported by school-based mental health staff and other related services as requested. A standards-based curriculum in conjunction with comprehensive mental health services to include family and student counseling. Program services are delivered at multiple center-based sites depending on students’ grade levels.

Communication & Social Skills (CaSS) (8:1:1 )

Virtual reality
This is a district-based program for students grades 9-12 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Communication Disorder, or other unique characteristics formerly associated with Asperger’s Syndrome. The focus is on helping students develop communication and social skills while maintaining their academic strengths through a standards/Regents-based curriculum. Specific individualized strategies, such as Montessori and TEACCH methods, are utilized to meet student needs.

For Young Adults Ages 18-22

The Department for Exceptional Children also operates several Transition Classrooms for young adults ages 18-22. Please see details here.

For More Information

Contact:
Central Referral Coordinator
160 Wallace Way, Building 9
Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: (585) 617-2468