Educational Philosophy

Our students require a neurologically sensitive instructional environment. This means that certain auditory and visual distractions must be minimalized, while the need for multi-sensory learning is addressed. We utilize carefully planned hands-on and experiential learning activities, appropriate teaching materials, and effective learning disability remediation techniques to achieve a neurologically sensitive instructional environment.

We also know that our students need to learn how to interact with people of all ages and abilities. But we understand that interacting with others can be extraordinarily difficult for many students with complex learning needs. Many students come to us with low self-esteem and very poor social skills due to a history of un-supported full-inclusion, or lack of enough meaningful exposure to typically developing children. We strive to re-build our students confidence and develop improved social skills through several forms of carefully planned and supervised interactions, which are structured in the following ways:

Related Peer Modeling- LCA classroom grouping is based upon the concept of students functioning at a similar overall developmental level, with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. This environment is totally accepting and homogeneous, yet diverse enough to provide students with opportunities to observe and demonstrate what they naturally do best through related peer modeling. We believe this type of modeling offers our students the greatest impact because they see themselves as similar in abilities and other characteristics. The unity generated by this non-threatening environment forms a strong school family in which students learn about compassion, empathy, and most importantly, to see themselves as capable of giving help to others in need. When learning disabled students can see themselves as helpers and leaders, their self-esteem grows by leaps and bounds.

Adults with Disabilities Mentoring Program- Our students have the opportunity to learn how adults with disabilities and learning challenges have achieved success in college and jobs through our adult-mentor program. In this program, successful adults with disabilities speak to our students about the features of their disabilities, and how they achieved success. These very special adults may also offer on-going individual support.

Peer-Mentor Program- Our peer-mentor program brings same age non-disabled students from local schools to LCA to share in fun learning activities, and social skills training. Peer-mentors earn community service credits as they learn how to show compassion for the concerns, well being, and interests of their peers with special learning needs.

Real World Experiences- Field trips offer LCA students opportunities to learn through experience by testing out the skills they have learned at LCAin the real world with people of all ages and abilities. Teachers and assistants are always close at hand to provide help when it is needed.