The Education Department of IDDI, together with the Children's Residential Department, both comprise Crystal Springs School, an approved private special education resource in our Children's Program. The Education Department's classrooms offer a five-day-a-week program throughout the twelve months of the year where students are assigned to classes by their functioning (cognitive/physical) level. There are several specialized classrooms including one for students with intensive medical issues, another for students with low-vision, and one for students requiring a more intense behavioral structure. Students are also provided a transitional classroom to prepare them for a possible transfer to an adult program when the time is deemed appropriate.
The Pre-Vocational Services program of the Education Department works to provide students with skill development in a different setting to reinforce classroom skills and to introduce a more work-like environment. On and off campus, one-on-one training is also provided in pre-vocational skills for some students.
Classrooms are staffed by teachers and aides who guide the students through activities of daily living skills, language and motor skills, and socialization and behavior skills, all presented within the context of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. MCAS Alternate Assessment Portfolios are given for students in the appropriate grades. The classrooms, which incorporate the functional goals of physical, occupational and speech therapies into their everyday programs, have weekly sessions in the gym and at the rehab center which includes time in the therapeutic pool. These sessions are under the direction of the Adapted Physical Education staff.
Upon admission, a multidisciplinary team of specialists meets with parents to develop an individual program for each child so that s/he may reach his or her full potential. At IDDI, we believe that parents are an integral part of their child's program and that family involvement is critical. As such, we also offer ongoing support for parents so that they are better able to understand and participate in all phases of treatment. Parents and school departments are also offered a six-month review meeting to discuss progress and concerns. Team and contingency meetings may also be convened at any time throughout the year to address specific issues.
For more information on Educational Services, contact John Kershaw, Director of Children’s Services at 508-644-3101, ext. 3473, or email jkershaw@iddicommunity.org.