Special Needs
Special Needs Department
Stamford is committed to providing the most enabling learning environment for all and we recognize the value and contribution of every student. It is our belief that all students can learn and should experience learning success.
At Stamford, students with special learning needs will receive special education services to help meet those needs. A student’s needs can usually be met within the regular classroom setting, however some students may have complex learning requirements which can best be met by placement in a specialized program or class.
The Special Needs Program at Stamford works collaboratively with the regular school body. Teachers, Educational Assistants, and students, work together on a daily basis, both in and out of the classroom, to help our students experience high school the way it was meant to be experienced ..... together!
The Special Needs Department follows a time line similar to Special Education in regards to IEP’s and IPRC’s.
Staff
Head - Gille Hurtubise
Ann Cockburn
Grace Ferguson
Individual Education Plan (IEP):
Stamford has the equivalent of four full time Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs).
Your child will be assigned to one of these teachers who will develop and review your child’s IEP.
This IEP will be reviewed by each teacher on your child’s timetable.
Your input into the development of the IEP will continue and you will receive a copy of the IEP at the beginning of the school year. You will also receive a copy of any changes made to the IEP throughout the year.
Identification Placement Review Committee (IPRC):
It is important to remember that the IPRC process continues once your child enters high school.
The student’s identification will be reviewed yearly and parents are invited and encouraged to attend their child’s IPRC meeting.
If a parent continues to agree with their child's identification and placement, he/she has the option of dispensing with the IPRC for the current school year. In this case the IPRC meeting will not take place and the current identification and placement will not change.
All students who are identified through an IPRC in the District School Board of Niagara will receive the support of a Special Education Resource Teacher.
The Resource Room at Stamford:
Stamford has a Resource Room, which is open to students each period of the day.
A SERT is assigned to the Resource Room to assist student with their daily work.
The Resource Room can also be used to complete tests, exams and EQAO assessments.
Accommodations made during testing (for students who require them) include: additional time, use of reading software (i.e. Kurzweil), verbatim scribing, etc.
Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs):
Will monitor your child's progress and consult with teachers to address any concerns.
Will serve as the student’s primary contact when more support is needed.
Will ensure that accommodations are in place for daily instruction, assessment and EQAO testing.
Will advocate for the student when required.
Will aid the student when using educational software.
Special Education Time lines:
September to October:
- Invitations for IEP consultation meetings are mailed home.
- IEP consultation meetings are scheduled.
- IEPs developed for the school year and distributed to teachers and parents.
January to June
- IPRCs are scheduled.
February to March:
- IEPs are updated for semester 2 and distributed to teachers.
- Only altered pages (if any) will be mailed home at this time.