The Special Education program is designed to meet the needs of the student whose approach to learning is different from that of his/her peers. Dreamland Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education for the student with special needs. Special Education program provide a variety of programs, techniques, methods, and materials that are available and utilized for individualized instruction.

The curriculum is based on content and performance standards that have been established for all students. Each student's Individual Education Program (IEP) outlines the specially designed instruction needed.

Definition of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy in the school setting is very different than in the clinical rehabilitation setting. The purpose of physical therapy in the school setting is to provide support for students so they may more fully participate in the curriculum and the school day routine. School based therapy is intended to meet the functional needs of students as it applies to the student’s ability to learn by removing barriers. The focus is the impact that the physical disability has on classroom performance rather than on the disability itself. Physical therapy addresses gross motor, gait and mobility, balance and postural support issues.

Physical therapy is considered a related service. It must have a relationship to the student’s educational performance. Physical Therapists assist in the development of skills to increase the independence of the student within the educational environments. The educational environments include, but are not limited to, classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, transportation, community mobility, vocational settings and fieldtrips.

Definition of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy in the school setting is very different than in the clinical rehabilitation setting. The purpose of occupational therapy in the school setting is to provide support for students so they may more fully participate in the curriculum and the school day routine. School based therapy is intended to meet the functional needs of students as it applies to the student’s ability to learn by removing barriers. Occupational therapy addresses fine motor, sensory motor and visual perceptual skills.

Occupational therapy is considered a related service and must have a relationship to the student’s educational performance.

Definition of Speech Therapy

Speech language pathologists are professionals who are trained to prevent, identify, assess, evaluate, refer, provide intervention for and counsel persons with, or at risk, for articulation, fluency, voice, language, oral and written communication, swallowing and related disabilities. The speech pathologist also counsels and educates families and other professionals about these disorders and their treatment. The school based speech language pathologist addresses communication and related disorders that effect functional skills, success in classroom activities, social interaction, literacy and learning.

In the public schools, speech language pathology is both a related service and a type of special education. As a related service, speech language therapy is seen as a developmental, corrective or other supportive service which may be required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education. When considered as special education, speech therapy services consists of specific and individually designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. Federal and state eligibility criteria are used to determine if a student qualifies for speech language or other related services

Differences Between School Based and Non-School Based Services

The determination of when therapy services are educationally relevant is complex.

1. School based therapy is part of a student’s total education program. Specific pre-academic/academic, social/emotional and vocational skills are identified as being adversely affected by deficits in communication and/or physical abilities when determining eligibility for school based services. Non-school based therapy is based on the specific disability of the child and is not linked to the education program.
2. School based therapy involves teaming and collaboration when making recommendations and decisions. Input from all team members are used to develop the student’s educational plan (IEP). Non-school based therapists make unilateral recommendations based on clinical evaluations to determine their therapy plan.
3. The primary role of school based therapists is to assist students in achieving success in the classroom environment. Non-school based therapists do not have these criteria imposed on their recommendations for intervention.

Delivery of Therapy Services in the Public School Setting

1. • Therapy services are provided to enhance and facilitate the student’s access to the general curriculum.
   • Services are provided in the student’s educational routine and in the least restrictive environment consistent which the student’s individual needs.
   • A team approach is used to provide services when developing and implementing the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
   • A variety of delivery models are used to provide services. These can include direct intervention, monitoring, and consulting.
   • A student’s need for services may vary over time and are reviewed annually.