"The mission of the Division of Special Education is to provide leadership, guidance, and support to the school community in order to maximize learning for all students within an inclusive environment so that each student will contribute to and benefit from our diverse society."

The Special Education Program at Cowan Avenue consists of special day classes for children with autism and those in need of resource specialist support.  The program also provides speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology, psychology, assistive technology and communication support personnel.  The program is designed to support students with disabilities at Cowan.  Each year, students with special education services are involved in all aspects of Cowan Avenue Elementary.  All our students mainstream or are fully included in general education classrooms.

Autism (Special Day Class Program) This class is designed to serve High Functioning Students with Autism, who have an Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.). These students have been placed in the class by the Program Specialist for our district. Our highly trained, compassionate team uses an integrated approach for focusing on improving academics, behavior, and socialization. We work on goals listed on each students I.E.P. and we customize curriculum based on each student's unique needs.

Mainstreaming: Mainstreaming happens various times of the day for our Special Education Students.  Mainstreaming is when Special Education Students go to the General Education Classroom at their grade level for instruction.  during this time special Education Students can interact with their General Education Peers.

DIS Services: These services include Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Adaptive Physical Education.  Many of our students with IEP's (Individualized Educational Plan) have some or all of these services on different days of the week for different times depending on the need of the student.

If you have questions or need more information regarding Special Education please contact Christine Ahern, Assistant Principal Elementary Instruction Specialist

Documents

A Parent's Guide to Special Education Services (including Procedural Rights and Safeguards)
IEP and You
IEP Process Parent's Guide