Student Eligibility Criteria

LCA assesses students on an individual case-by-case basis. Admission is not based upon intelligence test performance or specific diagnoses. Programming is individualized, and is most appropriate for students with significant learning disabilities who can learn and retain information, show an interest in social interaction with peers, and do not have a serious emotional difficulty. LCA staff assesses potential new students in our school as they participate in regular activities. Students should be able to demonstrate the following characteristics:

  1. Speech should be the student's primary means of communication. Speech should be intelligible, although articulation, and processing issues may be present.
  2. The student must be able to attend, and participate with a skilled teacher for instruction that is at his/her level of ability.
  3. The student must be able to attend and participate in a group activity with 3 or more peers, even when the activity is not targeted to the student's own interests.
  4. The student must have the ability to independently initiate some social interactions with peers and adults. The student may be more likely or able to initiate social interactions with adults.
  5. The student must have a desire to respond to social interactions with adults and peers without constant adult prompting. The student may be more likely or able to respond to attempts made by adults.
  6. The student must have the ability to sustain social interactions with adults and peers for approximately 5-10 minutes. This includes attention and reciprocity demonstrated by actions and use of language.
  7. The student must have the ability to demonstrate appropriate social behaviors conducive to a school environment. This means that the student is generally not disruptive at school. The student should not be aggressive, violent, or verbally abusive.
  8. The student must be able to read at any level, although reading may not be fluent, and comprehension issues may be present.
  9. Handwriting skills may be poor or not present, but knowledge of letter formation should be in place.
  10. The student should demonstrate basic math concepts and skills.
  11. The student should have an interest in learning and be willing to perform academic tasks appropriate to his/her own level of ability. Assistance may be needed for:
    • Understanding difficult or abstract concepts
    • Difficulty understanding spoken and written language, and non-verbal cues
    • Fine or gross motor tasks
    • Organization and completion of tasks
    • Maintaining attention for difficult tasks
    • Reading - de-coding and comprehension