OTSEGO NORTHERN CATSKILLS BOCES

 Innovative Programs of the
Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES 

For information contact: Innovative Programs, at 607-286-7715

Innovative Programs                                                                        

The Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES Innovative Programs department provides special education services to school districts to augment their locally operated programs.  In addition, we provide comprehensive programs for exceptional children within integrated school and community settings.

The following descriptions provide an overview of the programs and services offered to our school districts.  Innovative Programs and services are provided both within the component school buildings and at the BOCES campuses located in Grand Gorge and Milford.

Visitations to our Innovative Programs are welcomed and can be arranged by contacting our office.  Unless otherwise noted, these services are not eligible for BOCES aid.  However, services may be eligible for Special Education high cost aid.  For aid information, please contact the Deputy Superintendent  at 607-588-6291 x 143. 

CO-SER 201 – Special Class Placement 15:1:1 (Basic Academic Program)

This program provides educational experiences for the student with moderate learning difficulties and/or minimal social/emotional difficulties who is likely to attain the academic, social and/or vocational skills necessary for success, but who cannot maintain the pace of a traditional school program.

The elementary level emphasizes the fundamental academics of reading, writing, and math, as well as other standard subject areas.  Mainstreaming is provided as appropriate per each student’s IEP.  

Academic instruction and vocational training are blended at the secondary level to provide the student with the necessary skills to assist him or her in making the transition from a school environment to independent living.   

CO-SER 201 – Career Pathways

This is a custom designed, multi-year, vocational program for special needs students between the ages of 14 and 21 who are either at risk of dropping out or have been unsuccessful in traditional academic or vocational classes.  First and second year students will be actively involved in a variety of career modules that will provide pre-vocational training, critical thinking skills, job training, and other fundamental life skills. 

Third year students have three career strands to choose from: a) Career Pathways III; b) a Career Tech program; or c) the YES Program (Young Employable Students).  Students who are recommended for CP III, when ready , will enroll in a half-day job training placement in the community.  A job coach will provide support and/or supervision as needed.

Features of the program include:

Job Coaches who provide job and task analysis prior to student placement in the community.  

A Vocational Assessment Specialist who provides Level II Assessments for a students in the program.  The specialist furnishes valuable information regarding students’ strengths and weaknesses in vocational areas and is helpful in developing students’ transition plans.

Note: This is a half-day program which can be combined with another Innovative Program or with home-school district programs 

CO-SER 202 - Therapeutic Learning Center

The Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) is a comprehensive, transitional program linking the family, school district, local mental health providers, related services, and other outside agencies.

The TLC helps special needs children who are experiencing severe emotional crises by identifying and addressing related problems at home, at school, and in the community.  It also assists students to make a stable transition from hospitalization or other placement to the community and home school district.

TLC is an appropriate program for special needs children and adolescents with long-term functional problems who are in crisis and can be stabilized to pre-crisis levels.

This program provides educational experiences for the student with limited communication skills and severe learning difficulties.  Students are instructed in special classes located in school districts or BOCES buildings.  Integration with non-disabled students in traditional school and community settings is an integral component of the program. Learning activities are designed to include practical applications in daily life.

Young Employable Students, or YES, a community- based program for students between the ages of 18 and 21, integrates basic life skills instruction with job training experiences provided by local employers.
 

CO-SER 210 – Special Class Placement 8:1:2 (High School)

This program is a service-intensive model for students with severe behavioral and/or social/emotional difficulties.  Additional features include:

•           On-site counseling

•           Highly structured learning environment

•           Intensive behavior management

•           Inclusion in regular education classes per each student’s IEP 

CO-SER 212 – Special Class Placement 8:1:1 (Behavioral Adjustment)

This program provides educational experiences for the student with minimal learning problems and moderate behavioral and/or social/emotional difficulties.  Elementary, middle and high school students are instructed with appropriate mainstreaming opportunities provided in regular education classes per each student’s IEP.  Secondary students ages 14 to 21 have the option to combine their academic classes with CTE classes or Career Pathways both of which are located at the Occupational Centers in Milford and Grand Gorge.

The program includes academic instruction and counseling.  Classes are staffed by certified or licensed personnel who have been trained in behavior management strategies.  In addition, we have an adolescent and child psychologist consultant on staff to provide direct service and support to our programs. 

CO-SER 820 – July & August Program for Pupils with Disabilities

This program is a continuation of the regular BOCES school year program for students who require a 12 month program as determined by the local Committee on Special Education.  Certified instructional staff provide academics, adaptive physical education and related services as indicated on the student’s IEP.

This service is a pooled tuition service with the rate set by SED. 

Vocational Assessments, Level 2:

Innovative Programs also offers a Level II Vocational Assessment which is based upon information gathered from the Level I assessment.  In addition, vocational interests, aptitudes, clinical observation, teacher reports and occupational history are considered.

A complete diagnostic assessment is used to make recommendations about a student’s vocational plan and assist in transition planning.  A level II assessment may also be requested when a program change is being considered.

This assessment should be considered for students who are identified with a disability by age 15 or before Grade 9.  Our trained vocational assessment specialists can also provide assessment updates as needed.  This service is available to districts at a cost per pupil rate.

Cassandra Bruno, Keyboard Specialist

Natasha Nirschl, Keyboard Specialist

607-286-7715 ext. 2150