Southeast Area Cooperative offers a variety of services to the school districts it serves:
- Early Childhood Special Education aims to identify and address developmental needs in young children before they start school, minimizing the impact of delays on their academic performance. Services focus on five key areas: physical development (gross and fine motor skills), cognitive development (pre-academic skills), communication, social/emotional development, and adaptive skills. These services are provided in the least restrictive environment possible and are tailored according to each child’s Individual Education Program (IEP). Key components include screening, evaluations, IEP development, case management, and specialized instruction for children aged 3-5.
- Licensed Speech Language Pathologists play a crucial role in enhancing a student’s communication abilities within educational settings. They educate parents, teachers, and other school professionals on recognizing language impairments, ensuring early referrals for evaluation. These professionals address receptive and expressive language skills, literacy development, and various communication disorders like articulation, voice, and fluency. They also assist educational teams in understanding how hearing loss impacts communication. Services are provided in accordance with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may involve Speech Language Pathologists or Speech Language Pathology Assistants.
- School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
- Adapted Physical Education (APE) modifies physical education to suit individuals with disabilities, ensuring it is equally suitable for them as for those without disabilities. Federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive physical education, which includes developing physical and motor skills, fundamental motor patterns, and proficiency in activities like aquatics, dance, and various sports, including intramural and lifetime sports.
- School-based Physical Therapy aims to enhance functional mobility and facilitate safe, efficient participation in educational activities within natural learning environments. Physical therapists specializing in school settings possess expertise in treating pediatric conditions and ensuring students can access and engage with the curriculum effectively.
- School-based Occupational Therapy aims to improve students’ ability to effectively participate and succeed in the educational environment by addressing sensory processing and regulation needs, enhancing handwriting and fine motor skills for completing tasks such as writing within the school setting. OT’s collaborate with teachers to modify classrooms and adapt learning materials for better student engagement and achievement.
- Behavior Intervention Services Coordinators (BISC) lead and aid school staff in supporting students with behavior or social skills challenges, promoting evidence-based interventions for academic progress within IDEA and IEP frameworks.