Special Education
Autism
Dixie Periman, Special Education Coordinator, Autism
720-554-4250
Cindy Maas, Special Education Coordinator, Autism
720-554-4256
- Dan Wray, Elementary Special Education and Early Childhood Director
720-554-4478
- Frances Woolery-Jones, Secondary Special Education Director
720-554-4229
APPROACH TO PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
In Cherry Creek, programs designed to meet the educational needs of children with autism provide a structured teaching approach to learning. As with any student qualifying for special education services, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) will direct the program. Long term goals for our students with autism include the development of functional skills, communication and independence. Special attention is paid to skills in the following domains: communication, social, academic, daily living, independence, sensory motor, and vocational.
Services are provided in a continuum of environments ranging from self-contained to full inclusion settings, based upon the needs of each student.
Intensive early intervention is a priority. Programming for preschool age children reflects the research regarding the need for intensity at this age. School staff and parents combine efforts to deliver increased hours of service consistent with recommended practices.
Continued staff development is necessary to provide staff with the skills needed to provide quality programming for children with autism. Cherry Creek will continue to examine all inservice opportunities that focus on autism and keep staff trained in methodologies and/or strategies found successful for children with autism.
GUIDELINES
Elementary / Secondary
- Parent registers child at CCSD Admissions.
- Parent contacts home school.
- School principal notifies special services staff who schedules an IEP meeting.
- An IEP meeting held at home school with other district staff in attendance as determined.
- Information is gathered about child's needs in these areas: Social, Academies, Sensory motor, Cognitive, Behavior, Health, Self Care Areas. Any further assessments needed are scheduled or requested from outside providers/agencies.
- Placement is finalized and discussed with parents through the IEP process. A start date is agreed upon.
- As needed, transportation department is notified of recommended start date. Parent is notified of pick-up / drop-off times, if applicable.
Early Childhood
- Parent contacts CHILD FIND at
Red Hawk Ridge Elementary School
16251 E. Geddes Ave., Centennial, CO 80016
720-554-4000
- CHILD FIND staff will gather information and work with the parents to develop an appropriate placement plan.
AUTISM TEAM
The Cherry Creek Schools Autism and Severe Needs Support Team is a group of professionals, employed by the school district, who have special training and expertise in assessments and interests for children with autism and severe needs. The team acts as an internal consultant to special education teams within the district. The team provides a range of services to home school staff, including assessment of children suspected of having an autism-spectrum disorder, development of teaching plans to meet the child's IEP goals and objectives, and collaborative problem solving of difficult behavioral and instructional issues.
Members of the Autism and Severe Needs Support Team are:
- Dixie Periman, Secondary Coordinator
- Jill Laschober, Occupational Therapist
- Jim Baroffio, Psychologist
- Connie Egleston, Speech/Language Pathologist
- Cindy Maas, Elementary Coordinator
- Beth Teeters, Psychologist
- Jenny Marette, Speech/Language Pathologist
RESOURCES
National
Local
The ARC of Aurora
1342 S. Chambers Rd
Aurora, CO 80017
720-213-1420
Colorado Department of Education
Laura Freppel, Director
Special Education Services Unit
201 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
303-866-6668
www.cde.state.co.us