Special Education Services

PS 84 fosters an inclusive community of learners, integrating general education and special education students in all of our English-only classrooms in grades K-8.

Inclusion in schools promotes a single, integrated system of education which provides access and opportunity to all students. Inclusive classrooms cultivate empathy and understanding in environments where each child's unique thinking processes, social-emotional needs, strengths, talents, and interests are acknowledged, appreciated, and developed.

Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) Classes

Each integrated co-taught (ICT) class includes two teachers, one certified in general education, and one certified in special education. Teaching teams work together to provide seamless instruction that meets the needs of all of the children in the class within a general education, grade-appropriate framework.

Because ICT classes improve the student-to-teacher ratio, teachers are able to more readily determine students' strengths and areas of need, tailor their instruction accordingly, and improve outcomes for all students. In addition to the educational benefits of inclusion, students benefit socially as they participate in diverse classes which foster an appreciation for differences, and where all students are seen as full and accepted members of the school community.

Autism Nest Program ICT Classes

The Autism Nest Program is another inclusive setting available for our students. The Autism Nest Program supports higher-functioning children with autism and helps improve their academic, social, and behavioral functioning in school and in their communities.

Beginning in kindergarten, the Autism Nest Program classrooms are fully inclusive, reduced-size ICT classes, serving both general education students, and students with autism. These classes include grade-appropriate academic and specialized curricula, integrated therapeutic services, and instructional strategies in socialization, adaptive skills, language, and communication. Autism Nest requires a special centralized application. Learn more here.

Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS)

SETSS is an academic support service provided by Special Education teachers to mandated students in targeted subject areas as specified in students’ IEPs. SETTS is used to:

  • Provide specially designed and/or supplemental instruction to support the participation of the student with a disability in the general education classroom​

  • Provide consultation to the student's general education teacher​

These services are designed to be flexible, helping students to remain in the general education classroom and use the combined expertise of both the general and special education teachers. SETTS may be delivered as a small group within the classroom or as a pull-out service.

Related Services

Speech Services

Students with speech mandates receive services from our three full-time speech pathologists. Speech sessions may occur individually or in a small group setting, and may be delivered either as push-in or pull-out services. Subject to IEP mandates, speech pathologists support students with:

  • Auditory processing (understanding and using the sounds of language)

  • Phonological skills (organizing speech sounds)

  • Comprehension (understanding language)

  • Articulation (forming clear sounds in speech)

  • Social language skills

Occupational Therapy

PS 84 has two full-time Occupational Therapists who help students develop executive functioning skills, eye and hand control, and use information from the senses and attention to improve life skills such as eating, self-care, problem solving, and social skills in direct support of IEP mandates. Occupational Therapy can be delivered individually or in a small group, and either as a pull-out service or push-in.

Counseling

Our school offers counselling services to students with IEP mandates and on an at-risk case-by-case basis. Our team of guidance and school counselors help students improve their social, emotional, and coping skills. Goals may address appropriate school behavior and self-control, peer relationships, conflict resolution, and low self-esteem.

Physical Therapy

Our school’s Physical Therapist gives students independence in classrooms, the gym, the playground, bathrooms, hallways and staircases. Physical Therapy will help students develop physical skills, such as:

  • Gross motor control (large-muscle movement control);

  • Ambulation (moving from place to place);

  • Balance; and

  • Coordination.

Adaptive Physical Education

PS 84 supports students with disabilities to ensure successful participation in Physical Education (PE) alongside their peers. Our Adapted Physical Education (APE), PE teacher supports students by modifying activities, games, and sports so that all students can take part safely.

Assistive Technology

After a comprehensive evaluation, students who require Assistive Technology will be provided with a device (e.g. Chromebook or tablet) and plan for use that helps them:

  • Communicate with teachers and classmates

  • Do their school work

  • Participate in school programs and activities

Paraprofessional Services

A paraprofessional is an aide who provides assistance to students. A paraprofessional may be support an entire class or to an individual student as required by their IEP.

Our paraprofessionals provide support to students in the following areas:

  • Behavior support

  • Health

  • Transportation

  • Orientation and mobility

  • Toileting

Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

Academic Intervention Services are available to help students who are struggling to achieve learning standards in English Language Arts ELA) and Mathematics in grades K-12 and social studies and science in grades 4-12. AIS is a system of supports used to support student achievement in specific subject areas. Data from ongoing assessments is used to determine AIS eligibility and target skill areas in need of improvement. AIS is available to general education students, special education students, and multilingual learners. AIS services at PS 84 include:

  • Extra instructional time to help students achieve the learning standards in the subject areas requiring AIS. These services may be provided in push-in or pull-out models.

  • Support services to help students overcome barriers that are affecting their ability to learn, such as attendance problems, family- related issues, behavioral challenges and health-related issues.