Thank you for your interest in John G. Conyers Learning Academy. Our school is unique in that it provides a variety of special programs for District 15 and children in the community which are briefly highlighted below.
The following programs make up John G. Conyers Learning Academy:
Early Intervention Program
The Early Intervention Program offers playgroups and assessments for children turning three years of age who may display developmental delays or may be at risk for learning problems. Our Early Intervention Program encourages parents to be active participants during the assessment process. The nurse, social worker, psychologist, and speech pathologist work closely with the families to ensure a positive and comfortable transition into early childhood services.
The Early Childhood Special Education Program
The Early Childhood Special Education Program serves children three to five years of age with special education needs. These children have identified developmental delays or disabilities in one or more of the following areas: speech and language, social-emotional, motor, or intellectual. Children are referred to the program by their parents, pediatricians, or outside agencies who request screening and assessment. A case study evaluation is completed, and an individualized educational plan is developed with the parents. Services for children with disabilities are mandated at age three and are initiated as soon as possible following the assessment process. The program provides appropriate early education by attending to the needs of individual children in a secure, accepting environment.
Because parents are the most significant factor in a child’s educational success, it is essential that parents and school specialists work together as a team to plan for the child’s educational program. Each member of the team approaches the child’s unique needs with special expertise which is integrated into the goals and objectives established for each child.
The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is regularly updated, and each child’s program is continuously monitored for necessary revisions. In most classrooms, children are included with typically developing peers. Support services are integrated within the classrooms. The child’s learning is seen as a dynamic process where the child is an active explorer and initiator. The classroom provides opportunities for interaction and group activities tailored to the individual needs of each child and designed to enhance overall development.
The Pre-School Integration Program (P.I.P.)
The District 15 Early Childhood Program includes a preschool experience for typically developing three- and four-year-old children who reside within District 15 boundaries. This program is unique in that it blends children who have disabilities with children who do not. They have a chance to play and learn together in an accepting and challenging environment. This preschool experience offers the same type of curriculum that is provided at developmentally appropriate community preschool programs. The classes meet for four half-days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) at a cost of $175 per month. The morning session is from 9:05–11:35 a.m. The afternoon session meets from 1:05–3:35 p.m. Busing is available at an additional cost of $370 payable in advance for the year.
Early Childhood Developmental Enrichment Center (E.C.D.E.C.)
E.C.D.E.C. is a program for 3- and 4-year-old students identified as being at risk. Children who qualify for the E.C.D.E.C. program exhibit delays of six months or less. The program is funded through a state grant. The grant provides funding for staff salaries and equipment; District 15 provides transportation and classroom space. E.C.D.E.C. and District 15 staff screen preschool students. Screenings take place at CLA two Fridays each month. Parents can call (847) 357-5213 (English) or (847) 357-5214 (Spanish) to set up an appointment for screening for their child.
Multiple Needs Program
The Multiple Needs Program is designed to meet student’s needs in the social, emotional, communicative, physical, and behavioral domains. Students in the program possess varying levels of independence and functional skills. The program stresses each student’s individual strengths and needs with a strong focus on individual educational programming. The classes incorporate functional curricula in the areas of communication, socialization, sensory integration, the development of life skills, and positive adaptive behaviors. This program serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have been identified through their Individualized Educational Programs.
ACES Program
ACES is an acronym for the four strands of this program’s main curriculum: Anger Control, Character Education, Empathy Training, and Social Skills. The ACES Program is a therapeutic day program for students who have a history of displaying a number of emotional and behavioral difficulties on a consistent basis with significant degrees of severity in a school setting. The program provides a structured, therapeutic environment that allows the students to learn alternatives to inappropriate behaviors. Service projects and team-building activities are incorporated into the program. Students are monitored with a daily point sheet that correlates to a four-level system. High academic standards are maintained through the implementation of the District 15 core curriculum. This program serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade who have been identified through their Individual Educational Programs.
Second Chance Program
The Junior High Second Chance Program is an alternative educational program for students who exhibit pervasive disruptive behaviors, receive repeated suspensions, or are in danger of expulsion. The goal of the program is to teach students key skills in the areas of anger control, empathy, social interactions, and character education. Students are monitored throughout the entire school day and earn points on a point sheet for appropriate behaviors. Students need to earn points to move up the four-level system. Once a student earns level four status, a plan is created for a slow transition back to the junior high environment. Progress meetings are held every four weeks with the parent, home school, and CLA staff.
Alternate Suspension Program
The Alternate Suspension Program is an interim alternative program for junior high students who are suspended for any infraction of the school district’s disciplinary policies. Any student who is suspended from school may be placed in the Alternate Suspension Program. Students are required to work on schoolwork provided by the home school throughout the entire day.
Sincerely,
Peg Lasiewicki, Principal |
