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Special Education Classes

studentThe HFM BOCES Special Education Division offers students with disabilities a variety of educational programs and related services. This division is committed to the development and continuation of programs that assist students with disabilities to become productive members of society.

Our special education classes are designed according to NYS Part 200 Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Each is designated as a Special Class with varying student/teacher/paraprofessional ratios. These ratios are listed with the program descriptions that follow.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Program (6:1:2) – COSER 206

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who display global developmental delays. This includes:

  • Social Communication Disorder
  • Language, motor and cognitive deficits
  • Maladaptive behavior(s)
Program design:
  • Highly structured classrooms: 6: 1 :2 (six students, one teacher, two aides)
  • Elementary/Intermediate school program
  • Public school setting which allows for opportunities for integration
  • Evidence based practices; such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Bridges. Learn more about Bridges.
  • Individualized instruction aligned to New York State Learning Standards
  • Parent training
  • Common Core Learning Standards
  • Social skills development
  • Individual behavior intervention plans
  • Instructional technology available iPads, Promethean Boards, & augmentative communication support
Multidisciplinary team includes:
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech/Language Therapist/Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Teacher of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Nurse
  • Special Area Teachers: Art, Music, Physical Education/Adaptive Physical Education
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Educational Life Skills Program (12:1+3:1) – COSER 202

This program is designed for students ages 5-21 with significant developmental disabilities and/or cognitive delays that require a more intensive instructional approach and a more intensive student/staff ratio. The goal is to provide functional academic skills and independent living skills.

Program Design:
  • Twelve students, one teacher, one aide for every three students that do not require a 1:1 aide
  • Individualized counseling services and therapeutic support
  • Promotes self-care
  • Daily school/home communication
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trained staff
  • Individualized behavior intervention planning and classroom behavior management
  • Collaboration with outside agencies
  • Elementary, Middle & High School Programs
  • New York State Alternate Assessment Program: Unique Learning Curriculum
  • Students 16 years and older are eligible for Work Based Learning opportunities
  • Instructional technology available includes iPads (for every student) & an interactive whiteboard in each classroom
  • Graduation pathway is the Student Achievement Commencement Credential
Multidisciplinary team includes:
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech/Language Therapist/Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Teacher of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Nurse
  • Special Area Teachers: Art, Music, Physical Education/Adaptive Physical Education
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
 Therapeutic Support Program (6:1:2) – COSER 205

This program is designed for students ages 5-21 with intensive behavioral management needs. Concentrated efforts are made to integrate academics, social-emotional needs and physical wellness.

Program Design:
  • Highly structured classrooms: 6:1 :2 (six students, one teacher, two aides)
  • Individualized counseling services and therapeutic support
  • Daily school/home communication including periodic home visitations as needed
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trained staff
  • Individualized behavior intervention planning and classroom behavior management
  • Collaboration with outside agencies
  • Next Generation Learning Standards
  • Elementary, Middle & High School Programs: academic setting for students who take state tests such as Regents and grades 3-8 ELA and Math.
Multidisciplinary team includes:
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech/Language Therapist/Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Teacher of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Nurse
  • Special Area Teachers: Art, Music, Physical Education/Adaptive Physical Education
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Academic/Behavior Skills Program (8:1:1) – COSER 203

This program is designed for students ages 5-21 who are emotionally, behaviorally and/or socially impaired. Students are provided with academic instruction within the context of a structured behavior management plan. Mainstreaming is available when educationally appropriate.

Program Design
  • Elementary-High School program
  • Highly structured classrooms: 8:1:1 (eight students, one teacher, one aide)
  • Individualized instruction aligned to New York State Learning Standards
  • Next Generation Learning Standards
  • Individual behavior intervention plans as needed
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trained staff
  • Instructional technology available in all classrooms includes 1 :1 student Chromebooks and Promethean Interactive Whiteboards
  • On site counseling assistance emphasizing preventative strategies
  • Instruction and support with social and behavioral skills
  • Collaboration and communication with parents and community service providers
  • Graduation pathways include: Regents diploma, local diploma and Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS)
  • Ages 14-21 career exploration, work based learning, career technical center opportunities
Multidisciplinary team includes:
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech/Language Therapist/Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Teacher of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Nurse
  • Special Area Teachers: Art, Music, Physical Education & Health
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
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