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 SCAIHS
- Special Needs
Overview of the Special Needs Program
The SCAIHS Special Needs Program is for any student, in
grades K-12, who is functioning
substantially above or below grade level or has a disability that causes
educational difficulties.
This student usually requires an educational plan that varies from that
which is traditionally
followed by students. Accommodations for assignments and testing, as well
as frequent
remediation, are often needed. All of these things are permitted when the
student is enrolled in this program .
In many ways, the Special Needs Program
is also for the parent. You will be facing many new challenges as you home
school this student. Whether it is choosing curriculum, finding a new way
to re-teach a concept, or working around deficit areas, our trained staff
is here to assist you. Their encouragement will help you to succeed in
this challenging, but rewarding, endeavor.
FAQ’s
How do I enroll my student in the Special Needs Program?
When filling out the
application to SCAIHS, indicate on the Student Enrollment that you desire
to enroll the student in the Special Needs Program. It will be necessary
for you to submit a copy of the student’s most recent IEP and professional
evaluation, dated within the last three years. Not only is this
information vital should we ever need to assist you in a legal defense,
but our Special Needs Staff will be much better equipped to make
recommendations regarding curriculum and teaching adaptations. If a
professional diagnosis is not available when the student is initially
enrolled as a special needs student, you need to send a description of the
child’s learning problems. Sometime during the school year, however, it
will be necessary to get a professional evaluation. In order to have
the time to meet the needs of those in the program,
SCAIHS limits the number of special
needs students that it can enroll.
Please contact the SCAIHS office to see if there are any openings for the
current school year.
What fee is charged for this service?
In addition to the regular
SCAIHS fees, there is a $70 annual special needs fee for each child
enrolled in the program.
Will the student be labeled "Special Needs" and have to
permanently remain in the program?
No. The student is never
labeled. When you have determined that the student is functioning at grade
level and the more flexible educational plan allowed by this enrollment is
no longer needed, enrollment in the Special Needs Program is not
necessary.
How do I know which materials would be the best for my
student?
Finding the best materials for
a special needs student can be overwhelming! That is why our trained and
experienced staff is available to help you. Curriculum consultations are
available, by request, after a SCAIHS application is submitted.
SCAIHS has a Resource Room equipped with hundreds of textbooks, teacher
reference books, audio and video tapes, etc. You may also view many
samples of materials designed specifically for special needs students.
Do I need an outside consultant for my special needs
student?
The SCAIHS special needs staff
meet Home School Legal Defense’s requirements and
recommendations for educational consultants. Another consultant is not
required; however,
every special needs student is unique. Depending on the nature of your
child’s needs, a local
educational consultant/therapist may be helpful.
Can a Special Needs Student earn a college prep or general
studies high school diploma?
It depends on the academic
level of the student. If the student is able to successfully complete the
content and work for the courses required for these diplomas, one may be
earned. (See link to SCAIHS high school program.)
What is offered for a student that cannot do high school
level work?
Some special needs high school
students may earn a Track IV Occupational Diploma. This diploma is only
for special needs students who plan to pursue full-time employment after
high school, but are unable to complete the standard academic requirements
of a college prep and general studies diploma. Other students, after
twelve or more years of school attendance, may receive a Certificate of
Attendance.
May Special Needs Students participate in graduation?
Any student who earns a diploma
or Certificate of Attendance may participate in the annual SCAIHS
graduation ceremony.
Related Article
Special Needs
Children: Parents Are the Experts (PDF file)
Robert J. Doman, Jr.
Reprinted from the Journal of the National Academy for Child Development
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