Special Education
Contact Information:
AJ Berger, Director of Special Education
Phone: (845) 295-4167 or e-mail adin.berger@scboces.org
Sullivan County BOCES offers an expanded range of services that support the educational needs of students with a disability and, at the same time, meet the requirements of the “No Child Left Behind” mandates. These district-requested services include, but are not limited to: day programming, PM program, diagnostic services and related services. Cutting edge educational practices are assured through on- and off-site employee professional development. We strive to utilize state-of-the-art technology to enrich instructional practices. The focus of the Special Education Division is to help students achieve their highest learning potential, find competitive employment, and lead productive independent lives.
Classes are staffed by certified content special education teachers, licensed teacher assistants, and certified school social workers/psychologists. Staff has demonstrated skills in instructional delivery, behavior management, and therapeutic intervention strategies.
This program is for students who have the potential to earn either an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Each student’s program is highly individualized based on their IEP goals. Learning activities are designed to have practical applications and are presented in the context of the students’ current and /or future learning environments. Components may include supported work placements, occupational programs, and vocational programs.
When appropriate, students will have community-based activities. All students will have a transitional component to their program.
These classes are designed for students with multiple disabilities who require a program emphasizing habilitation and treatment. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy are major components of these classes. Students involved in programming of this nature require very high levels of support and adult intervention. Learning activities are life skills based.
Sullivan County BOCES presently offers several types of programming for students in need of an 8:1:1 classroom ratio. These programs provide instruction for students with learning, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns. Curriculum and assessment are based on New York State Learning Standards. High school students may have a vocational component as a part of their graduation requirements. Transition plans include post-secondary schools or service trade employment.
The STARS Program offers a continuum of instruction based on an eclectic approach utilizing a daily 1:1 instruction, (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Related Handicapped Children) (TEACHC), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior Analysis (VBA) techniques in highly structured K-12 classrooms. A transition work study coordinator is available to assist with post graduation plans and services. The liaison facilitates the initial application process, as well as Access VR case management.
