Program Information

Classroom Organization

The staff in each classroom have had extensive training in the TEACCH model of classroom organization. The staff ratio for all the PEACCE classes at Dutchess County BOCES is 6 students with 1 teacher and 2 teaching assistants. One to one aides may be hired for individual students and per the student’s individualized educational plan.

Classroom Organization

The beauty of this program is that the classroom routine is clearly posted and expectations are clearly defined. There are no surprises for the student. This rigidity allows students to feel comfortable in their environment. They know what is expected of them and what will happen throughout the day. Their anxiety levels are decreased immediately and the students thrive.

The physical layout of the classroom is an important aspect of the program. The furniture is arranged so that classroom areas for learning, leisure and eating are clearly defined.

Teaching Strategies

All instruction in the PEACCE classes is done one on one between the student and the teacher or teaching assistant. Because learning takes place 1:1, multiple modalities of learning can be incorporated so that the student’s strongest learning style can be utilized. Accomodations can easily be made for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile or multimedia learning. Educational strategies are established on the basis of each child’s unique learning abilities and interests. A teacher reviews the individual educational plan for each student and devises instructional plans, which are standards based and tailored to the individual student

Teaching Strategies

As skills are mastered in the 1:1 setting they are placed in the student’s office for independent practice. The purpose of the office is to practice working independently.

Schedules

Much like a Day Planner for a busy executive, all students in the PEACCE program have schedules to help them organize their day. Schedules can start out as basic as objects or real life pictures then become more abstract icons and finally move to written schedules or checklists. The student’s schedule is the core of the PEACCE program. With a clearly written, easily accessible schedule students know what is expected of them. Their anxiety is reduced allowing them to focus on the content of the instructional day. As students become more self-sufficient they are able to travel to related services, do school wide jobs or become mainstreamed in the building.

Locations

Classrooms are located both at the Salt Point Educational Center and in the component districts. Students may start out in the Center based program and move to a district placement as they grow and mature. Classrooms at the Center run from Kindergarten through eighth grade and are self-contained. Center based students have access to Quiet Rooms, Time Out and Crisis Intervention Services.

Locations

Classrooms in the district start at Kindergarten and continue through commencement. District placements allow opportunities for students to be mainstreamed with their non-disabled peers according to individual strengths and interests. Opportunities to integrate within the school program are abundant.

Assessments

Each year all students are assessed in preparation for their Annual Review. Students are assessed using the BRIGANCE Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills, the Metropolitan or any other locally chosen assessment. In addition, students are prepared for the Regents Exams at the appropriate grade levels or may be offered the New York State Alternate Assessment for Students with Severe Disabilities.