An Integrated Classroom is a class composed of pre-school children (3 and 4 year old children) who would benefit from special services within a structured classroom composed of typically developing peers.

Achievements strives to make programs available in School Districts and areas where they are most accessible to the greatest number of families. This availability includes being on a bus line or within walking distance for families. This availability includes being located in daycares and preschools where wrap around care is available. Preschool children that require a structured classroom setting are placed within a classroom of typical peers to create an educational setting that benefits all of the children involved.

Achievements Classroom

Who staffs the classroom? Our integrated classrooms are run by a Special Educator, Speech Therapist and a Teacher Assistant. Related Service Providers such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Counselors, etc. are found within the classroom at various times throughout the day/week.

What is the class size? Achievements believes in small class sizes with high staff to child ratios. For a childcare center or a preschool, classrooms with a total of sixteen or less children is most desirable for all. The total number of children includes daycare children and children with special needs, with ratios of 7 special needs children with a teacher and a teacher assistant plus 7, 8, or 9 daycare children with a teacher and a teacher assistant where necessary.

What services are provided? Occupational Therapy, Speech, Physical Therapy, Play Therapy, Counseling, Service Coordination, Psychological Services, Vision Services and Social Work are available within the program. Based on the needs of the children and the goals being addressed, qualified therapists will be in the program from one to five days per week. Services provided will be push in (special services given to the children within the classroom) when and wherever possible. Pull out services (special services given to the children outside of the classroom) will be given when the activity or the goal worked on requires a separate space. Individual and group services will be given as they are described in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

What are the program hours? Achievements is approved to provide both full day and half day options. A full day program is 5 hours in duration. The half day program is 2.5 hours in length. The five hour programs generally start at 8:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM with the exception of the school year Head Start Programs. There are typically two times available for the half day program (morning and afternoon, specific times vary by location).

What is the program calendar? A program calendar is created and given to parents when their child enters the program. This calendar creates program availability from September through June. Summer session services may be approved by the school district, if appropriate. The calendar, which closely replicates a typical school calendar, will include specific vacations, staff development days and holidays when children will not be in attendance.

Who do I contact for more information? For availability or additional information, contact Stephanie by phone at (518) 782-1178 or by e-mail at stephanie@achievements.org.

Children Learning