Our Approach

As needed, the SWS program provides: . . .

• Individualized and challenging academic curriculum.  Students are mainstreamed into the VCA classroom as appropriate, with needed support from SWS instructors and assistants.
• Social skills training.  Students learn valuable skills from their socially typical peers.  Direct instruction is provided with individualized social skills curriculum.  Students are taught friendship tools, conflict resolution and manners.  They develop interpersonal relationship skills and an understanding of feelings for self and others.  SWS utilizes both structured and unstructured teachable moments, role playing, modeling and group discussion.
• Life skills training (including activities for daily living and vocational). SWS provides a structured environment  with individualized schedules and work systems, teaching organizational strategies and techniques and effective study skills.  Students are also taught to utilize effective problem solving techniques, self advocacy and self-management of behavior and emotions.
• Communication skills (including non-verbal behaviors and communication).  Students develop effective conversation and listening skills and are taught perspective taking and assertive communication.  Students develop an understanding of idioms, figurative language and body language.

 

What is Mainstreaming?  

Mainstreaming is the process by which a student with special needs can successfully attend a regular classroom, rather than being isolated in a separate setting or self-contained classroom.  The uniqueness of the School Within A School model program is its commitment to equip students with Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism with the necessary skills and coping mechanisms to not only survive in the educational system, but to thrive.  We believe this is key to the long-term success of the student with Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism and will prepare them as they learn to not only successfully adapt to the world in which they live, but to be a contributing, vibrant member of their community.

After an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) has been created for a student, the SWS lead teacher and the VCA classroom teacher work together to map out the steps needed to successfully mainstream a student.  Modifications and accommodations are clarified, and during the initial mainstreaming period the student is accompanied by a SWS Instructor/Teaching Assistant (to shadow) until the VCA classroom teacher and the SWS staff member are confident that the student is ready to participate in the class without additional supervision.  Students are continually evaluated and monitored to give every opportunity for success.

At Veritas Christian Academy SWS, the mainstreaming process is highly individualized, based on each student's specific strengths and challenges, both in the area of academic achievement, and social and emotional maturity.

 

Our Goal

The Veritas Christian Academy School Within a School Support System is a program designed to provide support to students who need additional assistance in the areas of organization, academic support, social skills, and remediation of mild to moderate learning differences.  The program is customized to meet the individual needs of the student.