M-DCPS Elementary, Middle and Senior High School Models
There are several Programs for Students with Emotional / Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD) housed in elementary, middle and senior high schools throughout M-DCPS, which share common structures and program philosophies. The goal of these selected programs is to help students with emotional and behavioral disabilities access their education and transition back into the general education setting. Program components include:
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Highly
structured behavior support system |
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A teacher with support from
another source such as another teacher or
paraprofessional |
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Individual and group
therapy provided by M-DCPS clinical or school
psychologist, clinical social worker, counselor and M-DCPS clinical art
therapist |
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Behavior Management Teachers
(BMTs) (selected programs only) |
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Parent support programs |
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Inclusion options |
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Psychiatric consultation |
Bertha Abess Children’s Center Model
The Bertha Abess Children’s Center (BACC) provides comprehensive elementary day treatment programs for students identified as E/BD. A contract with M-DCPS provides teaching staff, curricular materials, transportation, and facilities. All students are staffed through the MDCPS Special Education Department. Clinicians BACC clinical staff provide group and individual counseling services. At selected sites M-DCPS clinical art therapists offer individual and small group art therapy services. BACC also provides students with psychiatric services including consultation and treatment.
Center Schools
Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center and Robert Renick Educational Center are specialized schools designed to provide a structured, therapeutic educational setting for elementary, middle and senior high students identified as E/BD. The goals of the programs are to enable students to increase self-control, develop more appropriate social skills and progress to a less restrictive learning environment.
Transition Program Model
There are currently two vocational school programs available to high school students with emotional / behavioral disabilities to help them negotiate a successful transition from school to work. The programs are as follows:
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Robert Morgan Educational
Center (STEPS TO SUCCESS): Offers therapeutic services, curriculum
focusing on workplace and independent living skills, school to work
transitional planning and community outreach activities. |
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Barbara Goleman Vocational Program: This joint program with Florida International University offers Domestic Wiring training. Upon completion of 180 hours students receive 3 college credits and a Certificate as an Electrical Engineer Apprentice. A Computer Design class is also available. |