Special Education Programs
Balwin School has numerous programming options to support students with unique learning profiles.
Interactions
The Interactions Program is designed to meet the special education needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders who have difficulty with social relationships, behaviour and communication. Programming based on individual needs and abilities helps each student gain academic and life skills, and to develop and apply communication skills and socially appropriate behaviour.
School staff have training and/or experience in special education, communication programming and behaviour management. Students benefit from smaller-sized classes, regular routines, consistent interventions and constant supervision and instruction.
Contact the Assistant Principal to discuss your child's abilities, achievement, interests, behaviour and needs. Balwin School will provide information on the Interactions Program eligibility and programming options.
Balwin School hosts Interactions Programs in elementary and junior high.
Opportunity
Division 1, 2, and 3 Opportunity
Our Opportunity Program gives support to students who demonstrate mild cognitive disabilities and significant academic delays. Programming emphasizes development of literacy and numeracy skills, and the application of important academic, social, work and life skills in the classroom, school and community. The program fosters student independence, resilience and problem solving techniques for academic success.
Literacy Program
Balwin School hosts a Literacy Program for student in grades 7-9 with the goal of building broader literacy skills with students.
Literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write—it’s about making sense of the information you see. For students requiring academic support, Literacy programming helps them develop the skills and abilities to achieve in all subject areas.
Our program focuses on:
- Focus on literacy and math instruction
- Visual aids, specific examples and hands-on activities
- Smaller classes for more targeted instruction
- Opportunities to join other classes for instruction in a student’s area of strength
Kindergarten
Kindergarten programming supports children to build important skills in an inclusive, play-based environment.
GOALS
- Develop early language, literacy, numeracy and motor skills
- Learn to share, co-operate, be responsible, problem-solve, self-express and make decisions
- Participate in group and individual classroom activities
- Develop positive attitudes toward learning
- Develop a sense of confidence and self-esteem
BENEFITS
- Improved ability to socialize and play with others
- Increased independence
- Development of healthy habits and social skills
PROGRAM DELIVERY
- Organized activities within a play-based learning environment
- Flexible instruction based on childrens’ needs and interests
For the 2020/2021 School Year, Balwin has half-day Kindergarten in the morning.