Alternative/Special Education

The Dutchess BOCES Alternative/Special Education Division, located at the BOCES Educational Training Academy [BETA] and at the Salt Point Education Center, offers a series of programs for young people recognized as being "at risk". Each of the various programs provides:

  • A continuum of services for general education and special education classes;
  • Present academic services for successful student achievement as defined by the New York State Learning Standards;
  • Access to prevocational and vocational programs;
  • A professional staff that ensures a unique blend of programs through BOCES and Astor School Based Services;
  • An environment for individual student growth, learning & achievement;
  • An enhanced awareness of non-academic needs; and
  • Accessibility to services including clinical, substance abuse, anger management, PINS, probation, VESID and others.

Center Programs

The Salt Point Education Center is a child-centered school, educating students in grades K - 8. The small, nurturing environment of this school affords each student the maximum amount of attention necessary to improve academic, vocational, and social skills that meet the New York State Standards and Assessments.

The Alternative High School Programs, located at BETA, join the resources of concentrated counseling services and a structured program with clear behavioral and academic standards. This creates a supportive atmosphere where the individual student is the focus. The program is designed to assist students in rebuilding their self-esteems and to develop pride in their accomplishments. As a result, students have a positive sense of their own worth and abilities which enables them to achieve. Our success is measured by our steadily increasing annual graduation rate.

  • 1-6-1 and 1-8-1 Centers
  • ABC Program: Academics, Behavior, and Community Program
  • Alternative High School
  • Alternative High School Equivalency [GED]
  • Alternative Middle School
  • Extended School Year Program
  • Fresh Start [Secondary Students]
  • Intensive Day Treatment Transitional
  • Intensive Learning Environment
  • PEACCE Program
  • Pegasus [Multiply Disabled & Traumatic Brain Injured Students]
  • St. Francis Hospital Education
  • Work Experience

District Programs

District classes are located in elementary, middle, and high schools within Dutchess County. 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. Eligible students have access to prevocational and vocational work experiences.

  • 1-12-1 [1 teacher - 12 students - 1 supplementary school personnel]
  • 1-6-1 [1 teacher - 6 students - 1 supplementary school personnel]
  • 1-8-1 [1 teacher - 8 students - 1 supplementary school personnel]
  • 1-6-2 [PEACCE Program; 1 teacher - 6 students - 2 supplementary school personnel]

Day Treatment Programs

  • Adolescent Day Treatment: Summer Program
  • Adolescent Day Treatment: 1-12-1
  • Adolescent Day Treatment: 1-8-1
  • Adolescent Day Treatment: 1-6-1
  • Alternative Secondary: 1-8-2

Itinerant Services

  • Teacher of Speech & Hearing Impaired
  • Teacher of Speech & Hearing Impaired [Summer]
  • Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
  • Teacher of the Hearing Impaired [Summer]
  • Interpreters
  • Interpreters [Summer]
  • Evaluations: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Visually Impaired, Speech
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired [Summer]
  • School Social Worker
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physical Therapy [Summer]
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy [Summer]

Related Services

  • Assistive Technology
  • Speech
  • Visually Impaired
  • Occupational/Physical Therapy Services
  • Conseling
  • One-to-One Aides and One-to-One Teaching Assistants
  • Interpreters
  • Job Coach Services
  • Hearing Impaired

Work Based Learning Internships

  • IEP recommendation for 1 - 5 day internship
  • Assignment to a work-site convenient to the BOCES site
  • Referral signed by BOCES administrator
  • Training agreement signed by student, parent, & employer
  • Quarterly progress report submitted by job support staff
  • Completion of medical and student profile forms as listed in Work Based Learning Program packets [given to all special education teachers in September]
  • Rotation of industry type as needed
  • Support from youth aides assigned to model job skills on site