Special Services/Education – (El School student support services)

• Providing for the academic needs of each individual child is of paramount importance at Providence Hebrew Day School. In order to meet that objective, the school has adopted an “inclusion” model and philosophy of special education. Indeed, the Special Education Program is closely aligned with all of the school’s other academic programs.
• Under the direction of the administration, the department includes Special Education Resource Specialists, Inclusion Specialists, and a Speech teacher all conducting individualized classes to meet children’s needs in both Judaic and General Studies.
• When a child appears to be having difficulty completing assignments or achieving at least average academic success, a referral is made to the Special Education Resource Specialist. After engaging the child in a complete educational evaluation, the administrative and resource team meets with the parents and the appropriate teachers to share information and data from the evaluation. A plan of action is then formulated to give the child the support necessary for success.
• A multitude of programs are used in the Resource Rooms to achieve teaching goals and, while varied, positive motivation is a key element of each. Most importantly, pupils are given the opportunity to feel successful, an experience that transfers to their activities and learning in the regular classes.
• In addition to the above, Providence Public Schools provide remediation opportunities utilizing the most modern research and materials to qualifying students.
• Our Inclusion Specialist service the upper grades and help modify the rigorous Providence Hebrew Day School academic program so that students involved in the Inclusion program can achieve success in a consistently positive atmosphere. Assignment and tests are modified when necessary. Learning strategies are always varied and individualized, and study skills are reinforced. Reading comprehension skills, word processing skills and project planning are also essential components that are given high priority.
• At the end of each academic year the administrative team, resource and inclusion specialist and teachers all review each student’s status (both in and out of the Special Education Program). They meet to make sure that no academic or social issues have been neglected during the year as well as to formulate plans for the following academic year.
• Tremendous effort is made ensure that every student’s needs are being met and that all Providence Hebrew Day School students are able to reach their maximum potential with success and confidence.