Academics

Special Connections follows Sunshine State Standards Access Points for students with cognitive and developmental disabilities. We offer a 1.5:1 and 1:1 student/teacher ratios and a tailored program to better support the educational needs of our students.

We adapt curriculum and materials to best fit the needs of the individual student.

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Ways to approach curriculum and activities:

Sensory (Concrete):

Teach with hands-on materials and sensory experiences.

Object (Semi-Concrete):

Teach with representational materials to bridge concrete objects and abstract concepts.

Symbolic (Abstract):

Teach with numerals, signs and symbols that are separate from the objects that have those attributes.

Research-Based Strategies:

Individualized Instruction / High Expectations / Whole Language Approach

Direct Instruction / Scaffold Instruction / Incidental Learning / Errorless Learning

Content Areas

Functional Literacy

  • High frequency words

  • Environmental print and symbol recognition

  • Read Aloud and reading enjoyment

  • Comprehension and Fluency

  • Functional Writing


Functional Math

  • Number Sense

  • Prepositions/Opposites

  • Quantity and Measurement

  • Money

  • Time and Space


Science and Social Studies

  • Sensorial Exploration

  • Community

  • Current Events

Supplemental Areas

Specials

  • Art

  • Music

  • Adapted Sports

  • Physical Education

  • Yoga and Mindfulness

  • Meal preparation

  • Gardening

  • Leisure  


Functional Skills

  • Gross/Fine motor skills

  • Visual Spatial

  • Sensory Movement

  • Social and Communication skills

  • Independence and Personal care


CBI - Community Based Instruction

  • Behavior

  • Safety and Awareness

  • Socialization

  • Generalization of skills

  • Community outreach

Floortime is the cornerstone, the engine that drives the DIR/Floortime Model and drives the developmental process.

Dr. Greenspan