THE LEARNING CAMPUS
Special Education Reimagined
ON CAMPUS
Full educational experience integrating academics through individualized curricula
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Yoga, art and music therapy
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Activities such as kayaking and swimming
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Sensory integration programs / sensory space
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Imbedded daily living skills and personal care
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Assistive Tech supports
The Learning Campus is a state-approved special education school addressing the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of students ages 5 to 22 with significant intellectual and developmental differences.
Functional, student-centered academics and behavioral supports are combined with community-based programming in order to promote development in areas of social communication, pre-vocational skills, daily living, and self-regulation.
IN THE COMMUNITY
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Work-based learning experiences
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Pre-vocational job training
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Community participation and navigation
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Applied life skills and independent living
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Transitional support
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Community exploration
OUR APPROACH
The Learning Campus offers intensive individualized educational services for students with intellectual and developmental differences ages 5 – 22. The focus on community-based academic and adaptive skills makes The Light House a unique learning environment. Students are engaged in academic activities with authentic opportunities for social communication and independence. The Light House Learning Campus is nestled in the community of Niantic.
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Multidisciplinary Supports:
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Certified school administration and special education teachers
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1:1 trained support staff (paraprofessional)
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Integrated therapies including speech and language, physical, and occupational
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Behavioral interventions via board certified behavior analysts
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Ongoing progress monitoring
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Family and interagency collaboration
True Community-Based Philosophy
At the Learning Campus, the community serves as an extension of our classroom, where students engage in meaningful opportunities in real-world settings. Instructors are able to introduce students to authentic life experiences that require them to apply the skills learned in the classroom including communication, independent living, self-care, and employment, further promoting the generalization of skills, so that students can be successful at the Light House and beyond.
PRIMARY CLASSROOM
Our Primary Classroom provides programming for elementary aged students 5 to 10. This program is highly individualized to maximize learning with individual student classrooms, common areas including a full kitchen, art room, small and whole group instruction areas, dark sensory room and gross motor areas.
MIDDLE - SECONDARY CLASSROOM
Our Middle-Secondary Classroom provides programming for students ages approximately 11-16. This program is highly individualized and addresses the functional academic needs of students while fostering greater independence with beginning vocational experiences and stressing activities of daily living and community exploration.
TRANSITION CLASSROOM
Our Transition Classroom provides a more structured vocational experience for students ages 17-22 with daily volunteer work site experiences and community exploration. With a focus on independence, students strengthen their activities of daily living, social skills and vocational skills to bring them into adulthood as active members of their community.
Each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) serves as the foundation for functional academics, social and communication skills, transition goals, and behavior plans. Individual student learning style is taken into consideration when implementing instructional strategies. These may include individualized instructional time, small group settings, incidental learning, hands-on cooperative learning, a multi-sensory approach, or the use of assistive technology devices. Modified responsive classroom approaches such as morning meeting, guided discovery, and choice are also an integral part of the program.
Across all classrooms age lines are blurred based on each student's needs and ability.
OUR OFFERINGS
EDUCATIONAL DAY PROGRAM (8-2)
A 182 day, academic school year program providing a unique individualized special education experience in an immersive community-based learning environment.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS (2-4:30)
The program focuses on the application of pre-vocational, daily living, social skills, and community integration. Learning occurs in the community to increase a student's ability to generalize the skills necessary for independence.
SUMMER PROGRAM (ESY)
A 6 week program serving as an extension of the school year providing additional enrichment activities to support social, independent living and community engagement skill development.
The Light House school has been a blessing to my entire family. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to send my child to school with peace of mind. My son wouldn't be where he is today if not for The Light House.
Veronica
Parent
[Our] district has placed several students in the various Light House day school programs. I have found The Light House programs, along with their staff and leadership team, to be incredibly collaborative and child-centered.
Allison
Special Services
The Light House provides excellent services for students with significant special needs [incorporating] vocational and academic, as well as life skills. [Our district] looks forward to a continued, rewarding partnership.
Kristina
Ed Director
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT
Serving students with a primary identification of moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities, along with social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Admission is based on recommendation from a student's public school district (LEA)