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Special Education

 
 
 

Program Description


CONTACT

Rosanna Grund
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
ph (general): (315) 453-4467
ph (direct): (315) 433-2611

 

Bryan Finlon
Director of Special Education
ph (general): (315) 362-2694
ph (direct): (315) 362-2693

 

Beth Cooper
Assistant Director of Special Education
ph (general): (315) 453-4467
ph (direct): (315) 453-4477

All Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES classes are operated in compliance with the Commissioner's Regulations Part 200. OCM BOCES offers a wide range of educational alternatives for students with varying degrees of cognitive, emotional and physical disabilities. Our programs emphasize helping students to develop their full potential and function as independently as possible. As determined by the Committee on Special Education, students are educated with non-disabled peers and in their least-restrictive environment.

 
COMMISSIONER'S REGULATIONS PART 200





 

  Special Education Programs

 

Scaffolding Kids Abilities Through Education
The SKATE (Scaffolding Kids Abilities Through Education) program for students with Autism provides comprehensive education and social-emotional support. The program utilizes the TEACCH model that provides a clearly organized, structured and modified environment with an emphasis on visual learning modalities. The curriculum is individualized for each student. Social-emotional and family support is an integral part of the SKATE program. Classroom configuration is 12:1:3:1, using a TEACCH model. Our SKATE programs offer students with autism the opportunity to receive highly specialized academic and social-emotional support in a public school setting. We have programs for students in grades K-12.

Stellata 12:1:3:1 Program Description
The Stellata program is designed for students with Autism & cognitive and behavioral challenges. The program provides an increased behavioral support and focuses on skills needed for learning, social interaction, and vocational opportunities. A school psychologist and school social worker provide support as needed. Classroom configuration is 12:1:3:1, using a TEACCH model. The Stellata program is designed for students with Autism & cognitive and behavioral challenges.
 

 

Skills Toward Adult Responsibility
The STAR program (Skills Toward Adult Responsibility) is designed for students who have a variety of disabilities. Curriculum is designed following New York State learning standards and is specially designed to meet individual needs of the student. Based on a student's IEP, work-based instruction and living skills may be a part of the program.

Towards Educational Achievement for Students with Multiple Disabilities
The TEAM (Towards Educational Achievement for Students with Multiple Disabilities) program is designed for students who have severe multiple disabilities that impact their physical and cognitive development. Students are provided programming that will encourage the development of life skills and increase independent functioning. A full array of related services and other accommodations and supports are available as necessary. Classroom configuration is 12:1:3:1.
 

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
This program serves children with a hearing loss who require support beyond the general education classroom setting. Educational options vary depending on the needs of the student.

Students with Emotional Disabilities
 
These programs serve students who require intensive behavioral and social-emotional support. These programs provide individual students with a range of therapeutic interventions to best match their emotional and behavioral needs. Counseling services for all students are included. The students receive academic classroom programming in conjunction with the psychotherapeutic interventions.
 

 

Transition
This program focuses on students who are between the ages of 17 and 22, who are NYSAA eligible and working towards the Skills and Achievement Credential. Students will be provided work-based learning opportunities at the college or community setting, and provided academics which support these vocational opportunities and community-based instruction.

Work Based Learning
The Work Based Learning program at OCM BOCES offers a unique opportunity for students between the ages of 16-21 to continue their academic progress while also getting an authentic work experience at one of 30+ businesses and higher education institutions that partner with us to make this program a success. Our primary goal is to help students acquire the work skills and habits they need to support job success and enhance personal growth.
 

 

Special Education GED
This program is designed for students who are not academically successful in their high school classes. It is a half-day program that provides an alternate diploma route and prepares students to take the GED examination. Students also participate in a vocational component.