CO-SER
Description of IP Programs

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.
CO-SER 204 – Special Class Placement 12:1:1+3 (Basic Life Skills)
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.
No
student shall, on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin,
disability, age creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or
other legally protected status be excluded from participation in, be
denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to unlawful discrimination
under any BOCES program or activity.
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Cassandra Bruno, Keyboard Specialist
Lisa Yelich, Administrative Aide to Director
607-286-7715 ext. 220