Students, ages three and four, are serviced by the Hale Early Education Center (HEEC). Staff work to identify educationally “at risk” and special needs children and provide assistance and support to these children and to their families.

HEEC offers developmental screenings, evaluations, parent/guardian support, and information to assist parents/guardians. One community screen is held in the fall and is open to all Coventry residents. A second screening occurs in the spring for students newly enrolled at HEEC. Parents/guardians, however, may refer children to HEEC at any time during the school year if they have concerns about their child’s development.

HEEC provides a continuum of services for the town’s preschool population who experience special needs. For some children with mild needs, services may be provided through an itinerant program. Preschool children who display moderate to significant delays may attend HEEC in part-day or school-day classes. All programs are developed based on individual needs.

Coventry Public Schools works to provide inclusive educational opportunities for all students.

As students enter grades K to 12, their individual identified needs are addressed within the continuum of educational services provided in special education as well as in general education settings. The instruction for students is a cooperative effort involving all staff, families, and the Coventry community. Depending on the extent of services needed, a student will be instructed within the following continuum of services:

General Education Classroom with Collaborative Support

Students are in the general education classrooms, taught by both general education and special education teachers and staff. Instruction is a collaborative effort providing increased support for the students within an inclusive environment.

General Education Classroom with Learning Center Support

Students are in the general education setting for the majority of the school day. Specialized instruction by a special education teacher, reading interventionist and/or math interventionists support the student’s specific needs that are more effective outside of the general education classroom.

Learning Centers/Transition Rooms

Students who require intensive support to regulate emotions and behaviors have access to the transition room as determined by the individual’s IEP.  Opportunities are provided for these students to interact with general education students. The amount of time spent in the general education environment is determined on an individual basis at each student’s PPT.  Programming is fluid as students internalize the coping strategies and skills needed to be successful in the general education setting.

ABA Program

Determined by the PPT, students who meet eligibility for intensive instruction in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program receive discrete trial instruction to support individualized programming.  For the most part, students in the ABA program require 1:1 adult/student support. Students have daily opportunities to join their grade level peers in the general education classroom.

CHS Skills Classes - 

Literacy Skills Center  
Math Skills Center
Executive Functioning Skills Center 
These courses provide targeted support for literacy, math, or executive functioning skills based on IEP goals and identified content areas. Small groups of students are engaged in activities that enhance learning and performance as well as activities that help prepare students for post-secondary education and employment. These courses are designed with pre-teaching and re-teaching of literacy, math, or executive functioning concepts to meet the specific needs of students with special needs at the secondary level.

Coventry Academy (CA)

This Alternative Learning Program supports students challenged to meet success in a traditional high school. Transition from CHS to CA is a collaborative process between Coventry High School and Coventry Academy staff and administration, the PSSS Director, and the student and parents.  The CA Team supports students to achieve the goal of graduating while developing the necessary skills to become successful, independent adults. Our alternative learning staff members assist each student in developing positive character and self-esteem by focusing on students’ abilities and interests.

Out-Placement

The extent of the student’s special education needs requires a very restrictive or very specialized environment not offered within the Coventry School District.

Transition planning for all students with disabilities includes a variety of services related to post-secondary education, employment and independent living. The PPT will determine student needs and services on an individual basis.

The following services may be included on an IEP based on the identified needs of a student.

Speech and Language

Speech and language pathologists provide assessment, analysis, and remediation that lead to improvement of communication skills and correction of speech and/or language problems. Services also include collaboration with parents/guardians, teachers and other school personnel and, in individual cases, coordinates with community agencies.

Occupational and Physical Therapy

Occupational and physical therapy services are provided to children with physical, cognitive, sensory-integrative, and/or learning disabilities as required to allow the child to benefit from his/her educational program. Therapists provide collaborative consultation with school staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies. Formal and informal consultations with school personnel and parents/guardians increase awareness and provide the rational for therapeutic interventions.

Psychology

School psychologists are diagnosticians and mental health consultants in the school system. Through individual psychological testing and other diagnostic techniques, information about possible causes of difficulties can be examined and various forms of educational interventions can be initiated. Group and individual counseling are provided to students who require such services. The school psychologists work collaboratively with staff and parents recommending special services, programs, and modifications to existing programs.

Social Work

Social workers offer a wide variety of services to students at all grade levels as well as to parents/guardians. Assessment and consultation aid in the identification of social, emotional, personal, educational, or financial conditions that may impact a student’s availability to learn. Individual and group counseling support the ability of each student to participate in their education. Family support, home visits, and education are offered in the hope of strengthening parenting skills and the family unit. Information and referral assistance are also offered to enable families to access appropriate community resources.

Guidance

Guidance counselors help students learn to self-advocate and make appropriate decisions about course and school choices, careers, and life goals. Guidance counselors assist all students in the identification and development of their interests and aptitudes.