The Providence Center School Portfolio

The Providence Center School

A Program of The Providence Center

www.tpcschool.org

A School for Students with Special Needs

Table of Contents


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Facts...............................................................................2

Mission.and.Philosophy..................................................4

Building.on.Strengths.to.Achieve.Success.......................6. Attendance.Improvement.Plan.............................7

Academic.Program.........................................................9. Early.Childhood...................................................10. Elementary...........................................................11. Middle.School.....................................................12. High.School.........................................................13

Therapeutic.Programming...............................................16. Behavioral.Support..............................................17. Character.Education............................................18. Creating.a.Safe.Learning.Environment..................19

Family.Support.Services..................................................21

Transitional.Support........................................................23

Vocational.Programs.......................................................25

Technology.Integration...................................................27

Related.Services.............................................................29

Access.to.The.Providence.Center.Services......................32

The.Providence.Center.School520.Hope.StreetProvidence,.RI.02904401-276-4000.or.401-276-4020

www.tpcschool.org

The Providence Center School


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Fast FactsLicensed.by.RI.Department.of.Education.Individualized.Education.Plans.(IEP).Experienced.clinical.and..educational.staff.Extended.12-month.school.year.A.participant.in.Rhode.Island’s.statewide.Positive.Behavioral.Interventions.and.Supports..initiative.Transition.planning.conducted.throughout enrollment specific to.the.needs.of.the.student,..family.and.school.district.Consistent.communication..with.family.Access.to.The.Providence..Center’s.programs.and..supportive.services.for.students.and.families.

Individualized Academic Instruction

Small.class.sizes.with.a..4:1.student-teacher/classroom.staff.ratio.Supportive.learning.environ-ment.for.students.with.issues.related.to.anxiety,.depression.and.social.withdrawal.Integrated.technology.programProficiency Based Graduation Requirements.for.high.school.students.Quarterly.grade.cards.and.IEP.progress.reports.

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Strength-based Behavior Strategies

Schoolwide.focus.on.traits.of.respect,.responsibility.and.safety.Realistic,.individualized..behavioral.expectations.Character.education.classes.for.improved.social.and.emotional.development.Opportunities.to.apply..communication,.critical.thinking.and.problem.solving.skills.Attendance.Improvement..Program.

Tuition includes:Academic.supportFamily.supportClinical.supportEvaluations.as.determined.by..the.IEP.teamSpeech.and.language.therapyOccupational.therapyMedication.monitoring.and..administrationBreakfast,.lunch.and.snacksField.trips.and.monthly..school.events

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Mission and Philosophy


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Mission and Philosophy

The Providence Center School 4

The.Providence.Center.School.offers.a.unique.learning.environment.for.children.in.grades.pre-K.through.12.who.are.experiencing.acute.behav-ioral.and.emotional.symptoms..Fully.licensed.by.the.Department.of.Education,.the.school.serves.children.and.adolescents.who.have.been.referred.for.special.needs.education.by.school.districts.throughout.Rhode.Island..

MissionThe.mission.of.The.Providence.Center.School.is.to.prepare.each.student.to.successfully.return.to.their.community.school,.enroll.in.a.less.restric-tive.program,.graduate.from.high.school,.pursue.higher.education.or.join.the.workforce...

PhilosophyThe.Providence.Center.School.is.designed.to.pro-vide.an.intensive.classroom.environment.for.stu-dents.diagnosed.with.emotional.and.behavioral.disorders. Our team of certified special education teachers,.teaching.assistants,.master-.and.doctor-al-level.clinical.therapists.and.psychologists.work.together.in.the.same.location.to.address.each.student’s.individual.academic,.social,.therapeutic.and.mental.health.needs..Behavioral.supports,.academic.instruction,.problem-solving.strategies,.therapeutic.interventions.and.family.support.ser-vices.are.all.designed.to.meet.the.unique.needs.of.each.student..Our.goal.is.to.help.students.culti-vate.the.ability.to.manage.emotions.and.behavior.in.order.to.become.successful.learners...

We believe:Students.have.unique.strengths.and.abilities,.which.we.emphasize.as.we.help.them.to.overcome.emotional,.social,.behavioral.and.academic.challenges.Students benefit from building solid, trusting and.reciprocal.relationships.with.peers.and.adults..Students.thrive.in.a.school.culture.that.is..positive.and.solution.focused.Students.have.the.ability.to.make.changes,.meet.goals.and.achieve.success.when.provid-ed.with.consistent.expectations,.instruction,.behavioral.and.clinical.support.and.the.con-viction.that.they.will.accomplish.their.goals..Improved.coping.and.problem-solving.skills.allow.each.student.to.enhance.their.academic.functioning.and.give.them.the.opportunity.to.return.to.their.community.school,.enroll.in.a.private.program,.pursue.higher.education.or.join.the.workforce.

The.combined.expertise.of.special.educators,.clinicians,.support.staff.and.availability.of.related.services.make.it.possible.to.provide.a.program.that.meets.the.learning.and.therapeutic.needs.of.students.with.diagnoses.such.as,.attention.deficit disorder, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity,.anxiety,.bipolar.disorder,.obsessive-compulsive.disorder,.depression.and.Asperger’s.syndrome..In.addition,.students.and.families.have.access.to.the.array.of.other.comprehensive.ser-vices.offered.by.The.Providence.Center..

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Building on Strengthsto Achieve Success


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Building on Strengths to Achieve Success


The.Providence.Center.School.is.a.diverse.com-munity.of.educators,.clinicians,.support.staff.and.learners.where.students.can.build.on.their.strengths.to.achieve.their.individual.goals..Our.program.provides.students.with.tools.that.en-gage.them.in.practices.that.support.success.in.all.domains..Positive.behaviors.focusing.on.respect,.responsibility.and.safety.are.encouraged.school-wide.

Our.team.takes.the.time.to.understand.our.stu-dents.so.we.can.identify.and.support.their.indi-vidual.needs..We.draw.on.each.student’s.strengths.to.inform.the.emotional,.social.or.behavioral.interventions.that.will.set.him.or.her.on.the.path.to.success..This.strength-based.system.allows.therapeutic.interventions.to.be.tailored.to.the.student’s.unique.abilities.and.needs,.empowering.the.student.to.make.positive.changes.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)As.a.participant.of.Rhode.Island’s.statewide.Posi-tive.Behavior.Interventions.and.Supports.initiative.since.2007,.The.Providence.Center.School.has.implemented.programming.that.allows.students.and.staff.to.learn.and.practice.positive.approaches.to.problem.solving.and.proactive.intervention.strategies..The.character.traits.of.respect,.responsi-bility.and.safety.guide.the.behavioral.expectations.and.interventions.

Individualized PlanningOur.goal.is.to.provide.every.opportunity.for.each.student.to.achieve.success.in.the.classroom..We.use.a.strength-based.approach.to.differentiate.instruction.that.increases.the.potential.for.success.in.academic,.social.and.behavioral.domains..

Upon.admission.to.the.school,.an.initial.Indi-vidualized.Education.Plan.(IEP).is.developed.that.focuses.on.adjustment.to.The.Providence.Center.School..After.approximately.45.days,.a.more.in-depth.annual.IEP.is.developed.with.district.representatives,.parents/guardians,.educational.advocates,.The.Providence.Center.School.staff.and,.when.appropriate,.the.student..The.annual.IEP.is.based.on.referral.information.(the.record),.the.45-day.observations.of.school.staff.and.input.from.the.IEP.team..Depending.on.the.student’s.unique.needs,.IEP.goals.may.include.related.services.such.as.speech.and.language.therapy,.occupational.therapy,.psychiatric.evaluation.or.counseling,.all.of.which.are.provided.onsite.


Attendance Improvement PlanThe.Attendance.Improvement.Program.(AIP).is.a.unique.program.of.The.Providence.Center.School.that.goes.beyond.general.attendance.guidelines...The.program.is.designed.to.offer.additional.assis-tance.and.intervention.for.students.whose.atten-dance.patterns.are.impacting.their.learning.and.growth..An.individualized.AIP.is.developed.with.input.from.all.members.of.the.student’s.treatment.team,.including.the.student.and.parent/guardian,.and.considers.all.factors.contributing.to.the..attendance.issue.

Teachers.and.student.and.family.support.coun-selors.are.committed.to.supporting.the.success.of.students.and.engage.the.family.in.developing.interventions.that.encourage.improved.atten-dance.habits..Interventions.often.involve.solutions.for.transportation.issues.and.increased.commu-nication.between.the.family.and.family.support.counselors..Morning.check-ins.with.students.help.to.create.a.positive.start.to.the.school.day.for.students.whose.anxiety.about.school.cause.tardi-ness.and.absences..As.a.part.of.the.PBIS.initiative,.monthly.attendance.awards.are.given.as.incen-tives.to.students.who.maintain.good.attendance.records..

Attendance Improvement Plan


Academic Program


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Academic Program

The.Providence.Center.School.helps.every.student.in.achieving.academic.success..Teaching.methods.and.learning.strategies.are.individually.developed.to.meet.the.needs.of.the.student..Small.therapeu-tic.classrooms.of.eight.to.ten.students.led.by.a.special.education.teacher.and.a.teaching.assistant.provide.opportunities.for.individual.instruction,.guided.independent.learning,.small.group.in-struction,.cooperative.grouping.and.continuous.assessment..A.thematic.approach.is.often.used.to.integrate.academic.content.areas.to.maximize.teachable.moments.and.opportunities.

In.addition,.classroom.teams.collaborate.with.an.occupational.therapist.and.a.speech.and.language.pathologist.to.provide.related.services.and.fur-ther.develop.strategies.to.increase.the.academic.strengths.and.meet.the.individual.needs.of.each.student.in.the.classroom..The.clinical.director,.se-nior.behavior.specialist,.clinical.psychologist.and.family.support.clinicians.provide.further.clinical.support.and.expertise.

CurriculumThe.Providence.Center.School’s.students.are.referred.from.various.school.districts.throughout.Rhode.Island..For.this.reason,.The.Providence.Center School does not adopt a specific curricu-lum,.but.implements.the.Rhode.Island.Statewide.Curriculum standards that define curriculum, instruction.and.assessment..The.early.childhood.preschool.classroom.follows.the.Rhode.Island.Early.Learning.Standards..The.units.taught.at.the elementary and middle school levels reflect the Grade Level Expectations set forth in the statewide.curriculum..The.high.school.program.focuses on meeting the Rhode Island’s Proficien-cy-Based Graduation Requirements to prepare students.for.transition.from.high.school.

Students.participate.in.Rhode.Island’s.assessment.program.(NECAP).with.accommodations.that.are identified through the Individual Education Plan.process..Informal.assessment.is.also.used.to.identify.academic.strengths.and.needs.and.drives.differentiated.instruction..This.includes.tools.such.as.pre-.and.post-testing.and.rubrics.that.engage.the.student.in.the.process..

Individual Education PlansIndividualized.Education.Plans.are.developed.for.each.student.that.identify.their.strengths.and.needs.and.set.educational.and.behavioral.goals...



Early Childhood Classrooms

The.early.childhood.program.is.comprised.of.overlapping.classrooms.from.pre-K.through.grade.one.to.ensure.that.the.social.and.academic.needs.of.each.student.are.met..Stability.and.security.are.provided.in.a.nurturing.environment.to.support.positive.behaviors..

The.preschool.curriculum.is.based.on.the.Rhode.Island Early Learning Standards and Grade Level Expectations.guide.the.elementary.classrooms...Educational fieldtrips are encouraged throughout the academic year and weekly recreational field trips.are.part.of.the.summer.programming..

Pre-K/Kindergarten ClassroomHelping.children.to.acquire.the.social.skills.they.will.need.to.be.successful.in.a.classroom.environ-ment.is.the.main.goal.at.this.level..A.thematic.approach.is.used.in.an.interactive.learning.en-vironment.to.integrate.and.encompass.the.eight.domains.of.the.Rhode.Island.Early.Learning.Stan-dards:.approaches.to.learning,.social.and.emo-tional.development,.language.development.and.communication,.literacy,.mathematics,.science,.creativity.and.physical.health.and.development..

Whole.group.activities.include.character.educa-tion,.circle.time,.story.time,.music.and.move-ment,.physical.education.and.handwriting..Learning.centers.include.manipulatives,.blocks,.housekeeping,.science,.sensory,.writing,.reading.and.art.

K-1 ClassroomThe.K-1.curriculum.is.designed.to.meet.each..student’s.individual.needs..Content.areas.of.read-ing,.writing,.math,.social.studies.and.science.are.incorporated.into.the.daily.curriculum.with.emphasis.on.listening.and.speaking.skills..Month-ly.themes.and.daily.lesson.plans.are.created.to.broaden.students’.learning.experiences.and.offer.opportunities.for.students.to.apply.positive.coping.strategies.and.self-regulation.skills..Educational.technology.is.an.integral.part.of.the.curriculum.through.the.use.of.an.interactive.whiteboard,.a.computer.station.in.the.classroom.and.scheduled.computer.lab.class.times.

Outcomes Matter: Teaching Strategies GOLD™ The.Providence.Center.School.has.been.a.mem-ber.of.the.Rhode.Island’s.Outcomes.Matter.initia-tive,.a.plan.to.have.a.comprehensive.assessment.system.for.all.Rhode.Island.children.enrolled.in.early.childhood.special.education,.since.the.2010-2011.school.year..Outcomes.Matter.uses.Teaching Strategies GOLD™, an ongoing obser-vational.assessment.tool.based.on.research.about.how.children.learn.and.develop..Teaching.Strate-gies GOLD™ is aligned to the Rhode Island Early Learning.Strategies.and.is.intended.to.inform.instruction.based.on.assessment..



Primary and Elementary Classrooms

Primary Classroom: Grades 1 and 2The.primary.classroom.curriculum.provides.each.student.with.a.comprehensive.program.including.language.arts,.mathematics,.science.and.social.studies..Reading.and.writing.skills.are.the.focus.at.this.level,.with.students.participating.in.guided,.independent.and.shared.reading.and.real-aloud.activities..Students.use.journal.writing.and.writing.workshops to find their own styles and strengths as.writers..

Mathematics.concepts.are.taught.through.small.group.activities.and.independent.work.with.the.Everyday.Mathematics.and.Calendar.Math.pro-grams.designed.to.teach.patterns,.shapes,.place.value,.measurement.and.money.concepts..

Teacher-created,.standards-based.integrated.units.provide.hands-on.learning.experiences,.coopera-tive.group.activities,.arts.and.crafts.projects.and.community.activities.to.study.new.concepts.in.

science.and.social.studies..

Elementary Classrooms:Grades 1 through 5Grades two through five comprise the elementary program..At.this.level,.students.are.challenged.to.use.problem-solving.techniques.and.engage.in hands-on learning. Rhode Island Grade Level Expectations.guide.the.material.taught.in.the.elementary.classrooms.

Learning.opportunities.in.the.elementary.class-rooms.are.designed.to.challenge.students.and.assist.them.in.applying.their.knowledge.in.solv-ing.everyday.problems..Standards-based.units.provide.students.with.opportunities.for.hands-on.learning.experiences,.cooperative.group.activities.and.community.activities..Units.integrate.social.studies,.science,.language.arts,.math,.technology.and.the.arts..Educational.technology.is.integrated.through.the.use.of.an.interactive.whiteboard,.computer.stations,.keyboarding.programs.and.various.media.presentations...

Curriculum-based.assessment.provides.a.mea-sure.for.all.academic.goals..Students.are.active.participants.in.their.own.assessment.process.by.completing.rubrics.and.reviewing.them.with.the.teacher..



Middle School Classrooms

The.middle.school.is.made.up.of.three.class-rooms..The.learning.environment.is.student-cen-tered,.which.encourages.students.to.become.ac-tive.learners..The.Rhode.Island.State.Standards.for.Grade Level Expectations guide the middle school team.in.programming.and.curriculum.develop-ment..

Middle.school.students.become.increasingly.analytical.in.their.thinking..Connections.between.subjects.and.ideas.begin.to.further.develop.as.they.transition.from.being.concrete.thinkers.to.being.more.abstract.thinkers..At.this.level,.most.students.are.able.to.make.independent.choices.and significant contributions. Expectations are set.that.are.commensurate.with.the.experience,.needs.and.potential.of.young.adolescents..

Students.frequently.participate.in.experiential.activities.and.are.expected.to.work.cooperatively.during.whole.group.and.small.group.activities..To.deepen.each.student’s.level.of.understanding.and.application,.science.concepts.are.integrated.into.classroom.reading.and.writing.as.well.as.library.and.technology.sessions.

Language Arts – Reading and WritingThe.language.arts.program.promotes.literacy.through the integration of five main categories of language.arts.skills:.reading,.writing,.speaking,.listening,.and.viewing..The.reading.and.writing.curricula are organized in a flexible structure that allows.the.students’.needs.and.interests.to.shape.their.learning.process..Students.engage.in.inde-pendent.reading,.guided.reading.groups,.focus.lessons,.reading.conferences.and.read-aloud.ac-tivities..The.writing.program.highlights.individual.self-expression,.writing.as.a.form.of.communica-tion.and.the.process.of.writing..To.develop.strong.spelling.skills,.students.are.tested.weekly.on.a.list.of.words..

MathematicsThe.middle.school.classrooms.use.the.Connected.Math.program.as.the.foundation.of.math.instruc-tion..During.a.typical.math.investigation,.students.receive.a.brief.lesson,.which.introduces.a.new.concept,.then.explore.and.share.strategies.as.they.practice.using.the.concept....

ScienceScience.units.include.units.designed.in.the.areas.of.life,.Earth.and.space.and.physical.science..Students.strengthen.their.understanding.of.the.scientific method and develop important science skills.throughout.the.science.lessons...

Social StudiesSocial.studies.topics.include.world.and.United.States.history.and.map.skills..The.social.studies.curriculum.is.designed.to.give.students.the.oppor-tunity.to.practice.in-depth.questioning,.research.techniques.and.implementations.and.to.engage.in.publishing.opportunities.



High School

The.Providence.Center.School.is.committed.to.guiding.young.adults.to.become.respectful,.ethi-cal,.responsible.and.courteous.individuals.who.can.work.both.independently.and.cooperatively.by.following.the.rules.of.the.school.and.society.

The.high.school.program.provides.students.with.tools.that.will.help.them.to.become.effective.communicators.who.speak,.read,.listen.and.write.clearly and confidently. In their coursework, rela-tionships.and.activities,.students.are.encouraged.to.not.only.employ.effective.and.creative.problem.solving.procedures.that.present.practical.solutions.but also to reflect on the thought process that led them.to.the.solution..

Therapeutic.interventions.allow.the.student.to.develop.an.understanding.of.and.an.ability.to.uti-lize.the.basic.techniques.of.stress.management.to.appropriately.manage.their.emotions.and.interac-tions..Upon.graduation,.students.will.demonstrate.preparedness.for.transition.to.post-secondary.education/training,.independent.living.and/or.employment.

Proficiency-Based Graduation RequirementsIn.compliance.with.Rhode.Island.Department.of.Education.requirements,.The.Providence.Center.School high school program applies proficiency-based.graduation.requirements.to.the.develop-ment.of.the.program..These.requirements.assure.that.students.demonstrate.the.ability.to.meet.the Grade Level or Grade Span Expectations for grades 9-12. The three components of proficien-cy-based.graduation.requirements.mandated.by.the.state.are:.

a.performance-based.assessmentcompletion.of.required.coursesparticipating.in.the.state’s.New.England.Common.Assessment.Program.(NECAP).

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Required Courses The.Providence.Center.School.high.school.gen-eral.curriculum.offers.courses.in.each.of.the.four.major.content.areas:.English.language/arts,.mathematics,.social.studies.and.science..Weekly.enrichment.classes.are.essential.to.broadening.the.student’s.knowledge.base..Courses.are.intended.to.challenge.the.academic.and.social.develop-ment.of.students.and.meet.district.requirements..The.student’s.plan.of.study.is.determined.upon.enrollment.to.The.Providence.Center.School.by.the.student’s.school.district.and.individualized.ed-ucation.plan.team.to.ensure.that.required.courses.are.assigned.and.the.student’s.individual.learning.plan.meets.his.or.her.future.needs.

In.most.districts,.a.minimum.of.20.credits.are.required.for.graduation:.

4.English/language.arts.credits4.mathematics.credits3.science.credits3.history/social.studies.credits6.additional.required.academic.credits

sufficient to allow the students to demon-strate a range of proficiency in the six core content.areas



Enrichment.Classes:Vocational.preparedness.and.

independent.livingPerforming.artsPhysical.educationHealthTechnologyVisual.artOrganization.and.study.skillsCharacter.education

Performance-Based Assessments:Portfolio.of.Academic.Achievement.Each.student.develops.a.portfolio.of.their.best.work, containing a reflective essay about their educational.experiences.and.a.minimum.of.two.completed.assignments.from.each.content.area.that.represent.his.or.her.ability.to.meet.grade.level.standards..Student.portfolios.are.reviewed.by.The.Providence.Center.School.staff.and,.when.appropriate,.presented.to.designated.personnel.at.the.student’s.school.district.to.evaluate.and.decide.if.the.student.has.met.the.grade.standards.necessary.to.be.awarded.a.high.school.diploma..The.results.are.given.to.the.student,.his.or.her.family.and.The.Providence.Center.School.admin-istrative.staff.

Senior.Career.Research.and.PresentationEach.high.school.student.participates.in.interest.inventory,.such.as.the.Ashland.Career.Interest.Sur-vey..Based.on.the.results.and.their.own.interests,.students.select.one.career.as.their.main.focus.for.the.career.research.project..Using.notes,.a.Power-Point presentation, a journal and a reflective essay graphic.organizer,.students.develop.a.comprehen-sive.research.project.that.includes.occupational.information,.education,.training,.salary.and.job.outlook.about.their.career.choice.

NECAP.Assessment.Program.TestEach.high.school.student.must.participate.in.the.New.England.Common.Assessment.Program.(NECAP).state.assessment..The.NECAP.test.is.usu-ally.administered.to.students.in.grade.11..The.test.measures a student’s ability to meet Grade Level or Grade Span Expectations in writing, reading and.mathematics..Students.may.take.the.test.with.the.approved.accommodations.routinely.used.in.class as identified on the individualized education plan..

SRA Corrective ReadingTPC.high.school.students.who.are.a.year.or.more.below.grade.level.in.reading.participate.in.the.SRA.Corrective.Reading.Program.for.45.minutes.a day for four to five days a week. The program provides.intensive.intervention.for.students.in.grades.4.through.12.who.have.reading.challenges.through.sequential.lessons.that.create.the.struc-ture.and.practice.necessary.to.become.skilled,.fluent readers and better learners. Four levels for decoding.plus.four.levels.for.comprehension.ad-dress the varied reading deficits and skill levels found.among.older.students..


Therapeutic Programming


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Guiding the Behavioral, Social and .Emotional.Development.of.Students


Therapeutic Programming

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)The.goal.of.the.behavior.management.program.is.to.therapeutically.assist.the.student.in.developing.age-appropriate.problem-solving.skills.that.can.be.used.to.make.healthy,.safe.choices.regarding.behavior.at.school,.at.home.and.in.the.commu-nity..The.Positive.Behavioral.Interventions.and.Supports.(PBIS).program.guides.the.behavioral.management.program.at.The.Providence.Center.School,.centering.on.the.traits.of.respect,.respon-sibility.and.safety..PBIS.focuses.on.creating.a.community.culture.in.the.school.that.emphasizes.positive.behavioral.and.academic.expectations..Character.education.classes.reinforce.these.les-sons..

School.faculty.and.staff.set.behavioral.and.aca-demic.expectations,.keeping.in.mind.each.stu-dent’s.history.and.needs..Expectations.are.created.to.meet.the.individual.needs.of.each.student.and.optimize.his.or.her.chances.of.success..They.are.consistently.enforced.through.feedback,.modeling.and.encouragement.by.school.faculty.and.staff..Students.are.acknowledged.throughout.the.school.day.with.verbal.praise,.compliment.“tickets”.or.small.incentives.for.exhibiting.positive.behaviors.

Specialized ProgrammingIn.the.early.childhood.and.lower.elementary.classrooms,.the.focus.is.to.provide.behavioral.support.techniques.that.encourage.self-control.and.frustration.tolerance..It.is.important.for.chil-dren.at.this.age.to.begin.connecting.their.behav-ior.with.a.predictable.consequence..Students.are.given.reminders.and.prompts.throughout.the.day.with.a.strong.emphasis.on.acknowledging.the.stu-dents.when.they.are.doing.well..When.necessary.a.“time.out”.is.utilized.until.the.child.is.in.control.of.him/herself..“Time.out”.is.followed.by.a.life-space.interview.technique.in.which.the.students’.behavior.is.discussed.and.alternative.safe.behav-iors are identified.

Elementary,.middle.and.high.school.techniques.focus.on.the.development.of.responsible.be-havior..Behavior.supports.include.a.range.of.techniques.using.verbal.redirection,.physical.proximity,.positive.reinforcement.and.“time.outs”.followed.by.life.space.interviews..Reality-based.problem.solving.is.central.to.the.alternatives.and.choices.presented.to.the.student.



In.crisis.situations,.as.a.last.resort,.when.a.student.is.at.risk.for.hurting.themselves.or.others,.physi-cal.interventions.may.be.necessary.to.keep.the.student,.peers.or.staff.safe...

All.students.have.goals.and.objectives.for.im-proving.behavior.that.are.determined.through.a.functional.assessment.process.that.helps.us.to.better.understand.their.behaviors..The.Providence.Center.School.policy.is.to.systematically.use.the.following.behavior-support.strategies.to.avoid.the.need.for.more.serious.out-of-school.suspension.

Verbal.and.physical.cueing/redirectionPositive.reinforcementInstructional.and.curricular.alterationsEnvironmental.restructuringSelf-monitoring.and.control.strategiesBehavioral.contractingSocial.skill.developmentLimiting.privileges.or.reinforcersLower.student.to.staff.ratios.for.increased.supervisionTime.out.in.a.separate.location..(no.doors)Encouraging.students.to.take.self-breaksVarious.incentive.programsTeaching.and.practicing.coping..strategies.

Intensive Programming PlanWhen.students.need.additional.support.to.help.them.achieve.their.behavioral.goals,.an.Intensive.Programming.Plan.is.developed..The.plan.may.include interventions specific to the unique needs of.the.student.such.as.schedule.adjustments.or.even.having.breakfast.with.a.teacher.to.ease.the.student.into.the.school.day.

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Alternative Learning EnvironmentWhen.students.exhibit.behaviors.that.may.cause.harm.to.themselves.and/or.others,.an.Alternative.Learning.Environment.(ALE).is.implemented..Such.behaviors.include.physical.aggression,.threats.to.harm.self.or.others,.absence.without.leave.or.property.destruction..If.these.behaviors.occur,.the.student is first sent to a “time out” to regroup.

The.clinical.staff.discusses.the.behavior.problem.to.determine.if.an.ALE.or.other.interventions.should.be.implemented..If.an.ALE.is.appropriate,.the student is assigned to this space for a specific amount.of.time.with.staff.supervision.to.complete.his.or.her.work..Before.returning.to.class,.the.student.and.staff.review.the.incident,.identify.safe.alternative.behaviors.and.develop.a.plan.to.return.to.the.classroom.

Behavioral Support



Character Education

The.Providence.Center.School’s.character.educa-tion.program.provides.students.with.opportuni-ties.to.learn.about.and.practice.good.personal.and.interpersonal.skills..Character.education.groups.are.implemented.into.the.classroom.cur-riculum.once.a.week.and.serve.as.the.building.blocks.between.learning.and.improved.social.and.emotional.functioning..

Students.have.the.opportunity.to.learn.and.ex-plore.appropriate.ways.of.establishing,.building.and.maintaining.positive.and.meaningful.rela-tionships..Through.the.use.of.media,.therapeutic.games.and.activities,.role-play.exercises.and.discussion,.students.learn.appropriate.skills.for:

CopingProblem.solvingEmpathy.buildingAssertiveness/refusalDecision.makingIdentifying.and.expressing.feelingsTaking.perspectivesDemonstrating.respect.for.self,.others.and..the.environmentImproving self-confidence and self-esteem

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Pillars of CharacterTrustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and CitizenshipMonthly.themes.in.the.character.education.pro-gram.focus.on.one.of.the.six.“pillars.of.charac-ter.” Group activities are geared toward fostering and.strengthening.relationships.and.creating.safe.and.positive.learning.environments.where.students.can.learn,.become.more.cognizant.of.their.strengths.and.weaknesses,.self-regulate.and.develop.a.healthy.sense.of.self..These.themes.are.integrated.throughout.the.school.through.activi-ties.that.give.students.opportunities.to.practice.and.apply.what.they.have.learned..Teachers.have.an.active.role.in.assuring.that.the.students’.new.skills.are.incorporated.into.their.daily.routines.both.at.school.and.home.



Creating a Safe Learning Environment

Roles and Responsibilities of PersonnelEach.classroom.team.meets.bi-weekly.with.a.clinical.team.to.discuss.and.implement.behavior.support.programs..Classroom.crises.are.ad-dressed.by.the.classroom.teacher.with.back-up.as.needed.from.the.clinical.team.

Faculty and Staff Orientation and TrainingAll.staff.are.trained.in.“Handle.with.Care,”..a nationally certified program in the use of .de-escalation.strategies.and.safe.physical.man-agement.techniques..The.school.nurse,.teacher.and.senior.behavior.specialist.guide.staff.in.learning.therapeutic.prevention,.de-escalation.and.holding.techniques..Trainings.are.conducted.annually.

Ensuring Student and School SafetyTo.ensure.a.safe.learning.environment,.threats,.violence,.illegal.substances.and.weapons.are.tak-en.very.seriously..In.each.of.these.instances,.the.principal.and.members.of.the.clinical.and.teach-ing.teams.discuss.possible.outcomes.that.will.ensure.maintaining.a.safe.environment.while,.at.the.same.time,.continuing.to.address.the.needs.of.the.student.involved.in.the.incident..In.the.most.serious.of.cases,.law.enforcement.may.be.involved,.and.it.may.be.determined.that.school.is.no.longer.suitable.for.the.student.

Lockdowns, fire drills and evacuation drills are conducted.to.ensure.preparedness.in.the.event.of.an.emergency.in.the.community.


Family Support Services


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Family Support Services

The.Providence.Center.School’s.Family.Support.Team.communicates.and.teaches.successful.be-havior.support.techniques.to.families,.identifying.available.community.resources.and.providing.an.overall.communication.link.between.the.home.and.the.school..These.activities.assist.in.provid-ing.a.more.successful.school.experience.for.each.student.and.their.family.

The Family Support TeamThe.Family.Support.Team.consists.of.the.fam-ily.support.coordinator,.two.students.and.family.support.counselors.and.two.case.manager/teacher.assistants..When.a.student.is.referred.to.The.Provi-dence.Center.School,.family.support.counselors.schedule.a.school.visit.with.the.student.and.his.or.her.family..Once.a.student.is.accepted.into.the.program,.an.intake.and.Individual.Educational.Plan.(IEP).meeting.is.scheduled.and.completed.in.a.timely.manner..The.student,.family.and.school.district.all.participate.in.the.IEP.meeting..

Case.manager/teacher.assistants.provide.support.to.students.and.staff.in.the.classrooms..They.also.work.closely.with.the.teaching.staff.to.support.families.and.help.them.learn.successful.behavior.management.and.learning.techniques..Teachers.and.counselors.maintain.phone.communication.and.make.annual.home.visits.to.each.family.

The.Family.Support.Team.remains.engaged.with.parents.by.providing.consultation,.identifying.community.resources.and.conducting.regular.meetings.to.maintain.a.connection.between.home.and.the.school..In.the.event.of.a.crisis,.the.coun-selor.responds.to.parents’.requests.for.assistance..When.the.school.closes.for.vacations,.families.are.made.aware.of.the.community.resources.and.emergency.contacts.should.a.crisis.occur.during.that.time.

Family.support.counselors.meet.with.each.student.quarterly.to.review.progress.and.goals,.discuss.any.concerns,.and.maintain.a.positive.relation-ship..Counselors.will.meet.more.frequently.with.students.who.need.a.higher.level.of.support.for.a.given.period.of.time.

Annual EventsThe.Family.Support.Team.organizes.annual.events.that.bring.students,.families.and.staff.together..In.the.summer,.the.Family.Picnic.provides.an.afternoon.of.fun,.food.and.games..“Saturday.at.School”.is.an.open.house.held.each.fall.to.intro-duce.families.to.the.staff.and.provide.information.about.each.student’s.academic.program..When.students.are.transitioning.from.the.middle.school.program.to.the.high.school.over.the.summer,.families.are.invited.to.participate.in.an.orientation.meeting.to.get.acquainted.with.the.next.step.of.the.students’.educational.and.vocational.pro-gramming..

Parent Education GroupsParent.education.groups.are.held.periodically.throughout.the.school.year.on.topics.of.interest.to.parents.of.school-age.children..


Transitional Support


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Transitional Support

At.The.Providence.Center.School.transition.plan-ning.is.ongoing.for.every.student.throughout.their.enrollment..The.goals.in.a.student’s.Individual.Education.Plan.(IEP).are.established.to.prepare.him.or.her.to.successfully.move.on.to.the.next.step,.which.can.range.from.an.elementary,.middle.or.high.school.placement,.a.job,.a.job.training.program.or.a.two-.or.four-year.college.

When.a.student’s.IEP.team.determines.that.they.may.be.ready.to.transition.to.a.different.school.setting,.the.transition.coordinator.works.with.school.staff,.family.and.the.referring.school.district.to.explore.placement.options..The.ex-ploration.process.may.include.observation.of.the.student.at.The.Providence.Center.School.by.the.referring.school.district.or.visiting.potential.classrooms.and.accompanying.families.on.visits.to.new.schools.or.classrooms..Once.a.decision.is.made,.the.team.sets.a.time.frame.for.the.transition.based.on.the.student’s.needs..

Following.the.placement,.the.school.staff.remains.available.to.the.educators.who.work.with.the.child.for.suggestions.and.strategies..A.detailed.transition.report.is.completed.evaluating.the.in-terventions.used.for.the.student.and.outlining.the.student’s.strengths.and.needs.

High School StudentsTransition.goals.for.high.school.students.can.include.working.to.satisfy.the.Performance.Based.Graduation Requirements for a particular school district,.arranging.to.take.the.SAT,.applying.for.financial aid, applying to college, completing in-terest.inventories.or.applying.for.jobs..Trips.to.visit.local.college.campuses.are.part.of.our.program.

Most.of.our.high.school.students.apply.to.the.Rhode.Island.Department.of.Human.Services’.Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) for case management.assistance.in.setting.and.achieving.career.goals..Once.a.student.is.found.eligible.for.ORS,.the.student.may.begin.to.meet.with.the.ORS.counselor.at.The.Providence.Center.School.to.de-velop.a.working.relationship,.which.can.continue.after.the.student.leaves.or.graduates...ORS.pro-vides.support.with.RIPTA.bus.passes,.RIPTA.travel.training, financial aid for college and job training programs,.summer.work.opportunities,.vocational.assessments.and.assistance.with.costs.associated.with.certain.jobs.(uniforms,.equipment,.etc.).

Outside TPCSWe.encourage.students.and.families.to.remain.connected.to.social.and.recreational.activities.in.their.home.community..We.can.assist.families.in.learning.about.activities,.clubs.and.sport.teams.in.the.local.community..Many.school.systems.have.detailed.Web.sites.which.can.help.a.family.stay.involved..

Moving OnThe.Providence.Center.School.celebrates.each.time.a.student.moves.on..We.say.goodbye.and.recognize.the.student’s.success,.the.excitement..of.moving.to.the.next.step.and.the.challenge.of.saying.goodbye..


Vocational Programs


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Vocational Programs

Students.ages.14.and.older.engage.in.activities.designed.to.enhance.their.independent.living.skills.and.explore.various.careers..They.also.visit.community.settings.they.are.likely.to.encounter.in.their.lives.after.high.school.

Job Sampling and VolunteeringJob.sampling.allows.students.to.build.a.résumé.and.identify.potential.references.for.future.em-ployment..Students.express.their.job.preferences.to.staff.and.sample.three.or.four.job.settings.over.the.course.of.the.school.year..Staff.transport.stu-dents.to.job.settings.and.accompany.them.during.the.work.period..

High.school.students.volunteer.at.one.of.ap-proximately.12.available.vocational.settings.up.to.twice.a.week..Volunteer.opportunities.include.assisting.in.classrooms.at.The.Providence.Center.School,.or.working.in.community.businesses.such.as hardware stores, bakeries, florists, greenhouses, mail.handling.facilities.or.soup.kitchens....

Community Exposure TripsVisits.to.community.businesses.provide.an.addi-tional.opportunity.for.students.to.experience.the.workplace..Accompanied.by.staff,.visits.include.the.Department.of.Motor.Vehicles,.the.Providence.Public.Safety.Building,.art.galleries,.museums,.Community.College.of.Rhode.Island.and.New.Urban.Arts.(an.afterschool.arts.program)..Students.learn.to.navigate.the.RIPTA.bus.system.during.these.trips.

Learning ModulesSmall.group.instruction.occurs.on.topics..such.as.résumé.writing,.job.searches,.the..job.application.process,.interview.techniques.and.managing personal finances. Students conduct Internet.research.on.careers.of.interest.and.pre-pare.and.deliver.PowerPoint.presentations.to.their.classmates about their findings. To hone their in-terviewing.skills,.students.also.record.brief.mock.“commercials”.in.which.they.promote.themselves.to.potential.employers..


Technology Integration


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Technology

The.Providence.Center.School.seeks.to.use.educational.technology.as.an.integral.part.of.the.teaching.and.learning.process.for.all.students..Because it is flexible and interactive, technol-ogy.enhances.the.delivery.of.curricula,.increases.teacher.and.student.productivity.and.supports.the.attainment.of.high.student.achievement..By.infus-ing.appropriate.technologies.into.the.instructional.program.across.content.areas,.students.will.be.better.prepared.to.be.skilled.and.productive.con-tributors.to.and.users.of.information.in.a.global.society..

For students with emotional and learning difficul-ties,.innovative.techniques.that.make.learning.interactive,.collaborative.and.customized.are.especially.important..Technology.provides.new.instructional.possibilities:

Supports.individualized.and..differentiated.learning.Simulates.real.life.experiences..Promotes.project-based.and..collaborative.learning.Expands.students’.and.teachers’.access.to.current.information.Encourages.discussion,.creativity..and.ownership..Allows.students.to.communicate..globally.Supports.diverse.learning.styles..Exposes.students.to.an.important.set..of.tools.that.enable.them.to.function..effectively.in.today’s.educational..environments.and.in.the.workplace..

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Related Services


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Related Services

Occupational TherapyA.licensed.occupational.therapist.assesses.and.treats students who demonstrate a significant delay with fine motor skills, visual perception, organizational.abilities,.and/or.sensory.process-ing abilities. Recommendations for modification and.adaptation.of.the.student’s.supplies,.materi-als,.activities.or.environment.are.provided.to.the.student’s.teacher.and.parent/guardian..Therapy.services.are.conducted.in.small.groups.or.with.the.entire.classroom..On.occasion,.individual.therapy.is.used.to.determine.a.student’s.response.to specific interventions. The student’s learning needs.are.taken.into.consideration.for.the.type,.frequency.and.location.of.services..Occupational.therapy.evaluations.suggested.by.the.IEP.team.are.included.in.the.tuition.

Speech/Language TherapyA.licensed.speech/language.pathologist.assesses.and.treats.communication.disorders,.such.as.articulation,.language,.voice.and.stuttering..He.or.she.also.conducts.individual.therapy,.consults.with.the.student’s.teacher.about.the.most.effective.ways.to.facilitate.the.student’s.communication.in.the.classroom.and.works.with.the.student’s.family.to.develop.goals.and.techniques..The.speech/language.pathologist.is.an.important.team.mem-ber.who.helps.staff.and.parents.to.understand.a.

student’s.behavior.by.assessing.communication.patterns.and.barriers..Speech/language.therapy.evaluations.suggested.by.the.IEP.team.are.includ-ed.in.the.tuition.

Specialized GroupsAs.a.part.of.The.Providence.Center.School’s.com-prehensive.therapeutic.programming,.specialized.groups.are.held.on.topics.that.are.relevant.to.the.behavioral.and.emotional.success.of.students..For.example,.groups.on.nutrition.help.students.who.have.health.issues.learn.how.to.develop.good.eat-ing.habits..Substance.use/abuse.groups.targeted.to.high.school.students.raise.awareness.about.the.risks.of.substance.use.and.guide.students.in.developing.the.skills.to.make.smart.choices..The.substance.use.groups.are.lead.by.The.Providence.Center.School.clinical.staff.trained.in.recognizing.and.responding.to.substance.use.issues.in.teenag-ers.

Medication Assessment and ManagementSome.students.come.to.the.school.having.been.prescribed.medication.prior.to.admission..When.recommended.by.the.clinical.team.and.ap-proved.by.the.parent,.students.not.on.medication.may.be.evaluated.by.a.Providence.Center.child.psychiatrist.and,.when.appropriate,.prescribed.medication..Students.prescribed.medication.by.a.Providence.Center.physician.receive.regular.medication.reviews.and.monitoring.sessions.with.the.doctor..The.doctor.also.meets.periodically.with.the.student’s.teacher.and.clinical.team..to.recommend.interventions.and.assess..progress...



All.medications.are.administered.by.the.school.nurse.teacher.in.accordance.with.instructions.written.on.the.pharmacist’s.label..Both.the.pre-scribing.physician.and.parent.must.give.permis-sion.for.medication.to.be.administered.at.the.school.

Health and Safety The.well-being.of.our.students.is.very.important.to.us..A.full-time.school.nurse.teacher.is.available.to.assist.the.student.and.the.parents.in.achieving.and.maintaining.the.students’.physical.well.being..The.nurse.monitors.growth,.immunizations,.medi-cations,.hearing.and.vision.screening.

School Lunch and Nutrition ProgramMeals.are.planned.by.the.food.manager.in.ac-cordance.with.nutritional.standards.for.each.age.level..Breakfast.and.lunch.are.available.to.all.students.without.charge..Two.selections.from.each.food.group.are.provided..Students.with.food.allergies.or.special.nutritional.needs.(e.g..diabe-tes,.etc.).are.accommodated.with.an.individual-ized.food.plan..

Throughout.the.year.specialized.meals.and.related.activities.are.planned.as.all-school.and.community.events..Students.often.take.part.in.the.planning,.entertainment.and.decorating.for.these.community.events,.which.include.International.Lunch,.All-American.Day,.a.Thanksgiving.feast,.Annual.Family.Picnic,.May.Breakfast,.ice.cream.social and Graduation Luncheon.


Access to The Providence Center

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The Providence Center

Students.and.family.members.have.ready.ac-cess.to.a.number.of.services.provided.by.The.Providence.Center.that.are.often.covered.under.major.health.insurance.plans..The.goal.for.all.our.programs.and.services.is.to.provide.young.people.with.the.support.they.need.to.reach.their.poten-tial.in.home,.school.and.community.settings..We.offer a broad range of programs designed specifi-cally.to.meet.the.unique.needs.of.children.and.adolescents.who.are.experiencing.social,.emo-tional.and/or.behavioral.symptoms..Our.service.is.strength-based.and.family-centered.

Outpatient Counseling Services Outpatient.counseling.services.for.behavioral.and.emotional difficulties emphasize symptom reduc-tion,.a.return.to.the.client’s.highest.prior.function-ing.and.the.pursuit.of.highly.individualized.and.unique.social,.behavioral.and.emotional.goals..Parents.and.other.family.members.are.encouraged.to.participate....CAITS and CFITChildren.and.Adolescent.Intensive.Treatment.Ser-vices.(CAITS).and.Children.and.Families.Intensive.Treatment.(CFIT).serve.children.from.birth.to.18.years.of.age.who.are.experiencing.emotional.

and/or.behavioral.symptoms..Treatment.includes.a.broad.array.of.services.designed.to:

Reduce.acute.clinical.symptoms.Teach.effective.symptom.management.and.coping.skills.Help.teach.family.members.or.caretakers.how to find solutions to the behavioral or emotional.symptoms.of.their.children.

CAITS.and.CFIT.can.help.children.avoid.hospital-ization,.placement.out.of.their.homes.or.schools,.or.serious.problems.in.their.social.and.family.relationships..At.The.Providence.Center,.teams.of.child.and.family.specialists,.including.therapists,.family.support.specialists,.and.family.service.coordinators,.develop.individualized.treatment.plans.designed.to.provide.families.with.assistance.that.will.lead.to.positive,.healthy.changes.for.all.involved.family.members.

Services.are.provided.in.the.family’s.home,.in.the.child’s.school,.at.The.Providence.Center.and.in.other.settings.within.the.family’s.community..CAITS.and.CFIT.are.designed.to.be.implemented.in.homes.and.communities.so.that.children.can.put.their.new.skills.to.work.where.they.live,.learn.and.play.

A.specialized.Latino.Team,.comprised.of.bi-cultural,.bi-lingual.therapists.and.case.mangers.deliver.CAITS.and.CFIT.services.to.Latino.children.and.families...Because.the.team.understands.the.families’.culture.and.norms.as.they.relate.to.men-tal.health.and.substance.abuse,.they.are.able.to.provide.uniquely.designed,.culturally.appropriate.services.

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Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)Sometimes,.academic.pressures,.new.relation-ships, influences from friends, or family issues re-sult in emotions and behaviors that are difficult to manage.for.adolescents,.such.as.skipping.school,.feeling.anxious,.aggression.or.withdrawal.

When.problems.like.these.interfere.with.an.adolscent’s.life,.the.Partial.Hospitalization.Pro-gram.(PHP).helps.teens.ages.12-18.learn.to.man-age.their.symptoms.in.a.supportive,.structured.environment..Five.days.a.week,.six.hours.a.day,.PHP.clients.attend.individual.and.group.therapy.sessions.to.help.them.reduce.their.symptoms,.learn.relaxation.and.stress-relief.techniques,.practice.social.skills.building.and.impulse-control.techniques and build their self-esteem and confi-dence..

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)For.teens.who.do.not.need.intensive.care.for.six.hours per day but would benefit from more than outpatient.therapy,.the.IOP.offers.the.opportunity.to.attend.group.and.individual.sessions.for.three.hours.per.day.

Early Childhood InstituteThe.Providence.Center’s.Early.Childhood.Institute.works.with.children.ages.2-5.whose.social.and/or.behavioral.symptoms.pre-vent.them.from.succeeding.at.home.and.in.childcare.settings..All.services.are.

designed.to.make.the.care.and.education.of.chil-dren.a.more.productive,.successful.and.rewarding.experience..Services.offered.include:

Therapeutic.day.treatment,.which.includes.parent.and.family.support.Specially.designed.partial.hospital.and.intensive.outpatient.programsConsultation.services.to.programs.serving.young.childrenTraining.for.behavioral.health.profession-als,.childcare.providers,.teachers.and.parents

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Date post:	07-Mar-2016
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