Our class at Great Meadows in designed to meet the needs for students who need the extra special attention for learning and receiving therapy to aid in their disabilities. The program is housed in Great Meadows Middle School which is a supportive and welcoming community. The class ranges from age 3-14 and the students in the Middle School accept and enjoy our students and are excited to visit with our students on a daily basis. The staff and administration include us in all activities throughout the school. The students are often seen in our class reading to the children, playing with them through the use of adaptive toys, singing and speaking to them with kindness and respect to each individual. Our students respond with smiles and laughter and enjoy the “reverse mainstreaming” immensely. The student hours are 7:50 until 2:10.
Our program is designed to focus on the well being and happiness of our students while presenting a positive learning environment. One on one attention for each student and their individual therapy sessions accomplishes this need for the students. The students work with a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist and an Oral Motor Specialist if needed.
The students are taught according to their Individual Education Plan while also incorporating sensory activities in their daily lessons. Examples of sensory activities may include a variety of textures, smells, tastes , listening therapy and visual stimuli during the day. The students also use a computer that is adapted to meet their needs (ex. touch screen, Big Mac switches). Adaptive technology is used throughout the day. Music class is incorporated twice a week as well as an art class twice a week. The arts play a significant role in the learning process of the students.
The class enjoys many extra curricular activities outside of the classroom. Some of them include a trip to NYC for the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center, plays at the State Theater in Easton and Morristown, Wild West City, Shriner’s Circus, Bowling, Somerset Baseball Game, Space Animal Farms, Crayola Factory. a train ride with Santa and trips to the local mall. We also incorporate a therapy dog from time to time when available.