Genesee Valley BOCES provides classes based on age range, academic ability, management needs and physical development.  The majority of classrooms are located in school districts providing integration opportunities for children.  The Special Education program provides ten month and twelve month programs depending upon individual student needs.

Certified Special Education teachers provide individualized instruction specific to the student's learning style.  Instructional content areas are consistent with New York State Standards.

Expected outcomes range from Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), General Educational Development (GED) and Regents Diplomas.

Classes	have the following  teacher-student ratios	and are for students
6:1+1	Maximum 6 pupils with  1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional.	who have unique needs that prevent them from making expected academic progress in a large group setting.  They may benefit from an individualized program delivered in a structured environment with a 6:1+1 staff/student ratio.  In addition, these students may benefit from the services of a Counselor or Crisis Intervention Specialist.  Students in this program may be seeking an IEP Diploma, GED Diploma, or Regents Diploma.
6:1+2	Maximum 6 pupils with  1 teacher and 2 paraprofessionals.	that require intensive communication and language services.  Provided within this program is a speech pathologist..  ABA and TEACCH methods are also used with the students.  The majority of students placed in this program are autistic and require intensive management services.  These needs are met by a ratio of one teacher for six students with a paraprofessional for every three students.
12:1+1	Maximum 12 pupils with  1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional.	5-21 years of age who have a variety of education, management and social needs are served in 12:1+1 settings.  Classrooms may be housed at a BOCES center or in school districts What goes on in the program? Instruction is delivered in small group and individual settings using a variety of teaching strategies that address varied learning styles.  Instruction may include standard curricula or Functional Academics, Daily Living Skills, Pre-Vocational Skills, Social Skills and Career Education.  Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Counseling services are provided as prescribed by the Committee on Special Education in each home school district.
12:1+4	Maximum 12 pupils with  1 teacher and 4 paraprofessionals.	with multiple disabilities often have unique needs involving habilitation and treatment.  Specialized medical monitoring may be necessary.  Educational goals may include developing communication skills: motor skills, appropriate social skills and self help skills.  The intensive needs are met by a ratio of one teacher for twelve students with a paraprofessional for every three students. What goes on in the program? Instruction is delivered using an integrated model within the classroom.  Teachers, Assistants, School Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Counselors, as prescribed by the home school Committee on Special Education, cooperatively program for each student.  Special area teachers and classroom staff have developed a unique integrated model for Music, Art, and Physical Education instruction.  This model is used to prepare students for community involvement as well as developing leisure-time skills.  Parent support is an integral part of this program.

What Related Services Are Available:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Vision Services

• Individual and Group Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Psychiatric Services

• Pediatric Developmental Consultation
• Psychiatric Consultation
• Placement Facilitation
• Crisis Counseling

• Specialized Health Services
• Disciplinary Advisement
• Transition Counseling
• Developmental Outreach Diagnostic Services (DOCS)

Career Education Services may consist of support for participation in career and technical service occupations programs.  Other students may with additional training, receive placements with local employers, receiving appropriate support from Career Education staff.

12:1:1 Service Occupations

Service Occupation 1 Age:  15 & 16 years  Time:  Half day - afternoons Entry Level Competencies:  Skills and competencies identified by CSE evaluation;  need of direct supervision; needs to work on transfer of skills generalization;  IEP based upon skill level. Work Experience:  N/A Classroom Component:  Curriculum based; hands-on vocational exploratories of practical mechanics and service occupations (e.g.  wood working, life skills, food service, sewing, business management).  Each module varies in length. Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide.

Service Occupation 2 Age:  16-18 years  Time:  Half day - mornings Entry Level Competencies:  Completed Service Occupation 1 Work Experience:  N/A Classroom Component:  More career specific skills within practical mechanics or service occupations (e.g. wood working, life skills, food service, sewing, business management). Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide

Service Occupation 3 Age:  17-21 years  Time:  Half day - mornings (food preparation) Entry Level Competencies:  Successful completion of Service Occupation 1 and 2.  Ability to function in developing specific workplace skills associated with the food service industry. Work Experience:  Teacher recommendation based on work skills and work behavior.  One day per week for five to eight weeks. Classroom Component:  Curriculum based;  designed to develop food preparation skills, restaurant operation skills, work habits and attitudes in a work place. Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide.

West 1 (Work Experience Skills Training Level 1) Age:  14-21 years  Time:  Half day - afternoons (opportunity for restaurant operation participation) Entry Level Competencies:  Skills and competencies identified by CSE evaluations; needs direct supervision;  needs to work on transfer of skills generalization;  individualized program based upon skill level. Work Experience:  Varies (Community Volunteer and Shadow Experience) Classroom Component:  Curriculum based;  designed to develop basic workplace skills and occupational skills. Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide;  Work Experience Coordinator; Work Site Supervisor/Mentor.

West II (Work Experience Skills Training Level II) Age:  16-21 years  Time:  Half day - afternoons Entry Level Competencies:  Developing workplace readiness skills in relation to SCANS skills and competencies; ability to function with limited supervision. Work Experience:  3-4 days per week;  4-5 internship rotations. Classroom Component:  Designed to promote career exploration and the development of workplace skills and competencies;  ongoing classroom support; development of student portfolios. Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide;  Work Experience Coordinator; Work Site Supervisor/Mentor.

Work Study Program Age:  16-21 years  Time:  Half day - afternoons Entry Level Competencies:  Must demonstrate workplace readiness skills and competencies;  must be able to work independently under direction of worksite supervisor. Work Experience:  Three-four days per week. Classroom Component:  Requires three-five week WEST II module prior to placement;  curriculum designed to promote career exploration and further development of work place skills and competencies;  ongoing classroom support;  development of student portfolios. Support:  Classroom Teacher and Aide;  Work Experience Coordinator; Work Site Supervisor/Mentor.

Transition Planning

Students age 14 and older in all programs are active participants in the development of a personal transition plan.  This mandated process involves the coordinated preparation and implementation of activities and strategies to prepare the individual for transition from school to successful adult living.  The transition plan forms the basis for the Individualized Educational Plan.  

Classroom teachers, assistants and service providers create a team plan designed to maximize each students' potential to become a productive member of the community.

General Educational Development (GED)