Special Programs are provided for children and youth who have disabilities and are between the ages of 5 and 21. These students have demonstrated that they cannot benefit from fully inclusive classroom instruction and their disability is severe enough to require special education 60% or more of the school day. Students who are functioning academically at a severe discrepancy from age peers due to mild/moderate retardation, autism, hearing impaired, developmental delays, learning disabilities, emotional problems, multiple disabilities, or physical disabilities may be instructed in these classes. Vocational training and job coaching are an integral part of our programs for students 16 and older.

Instructional groupings are based on the educational achievement, social development, physical development, and management needs of the children. Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) based on these needs. Referrals to these Special Programs are made by the local school district Committee on Special Education (CSE). Comprehensive data in support of the placement must accompany all referrals.

(Note: In the following descriptions, special education classes are identified by the disability or individual needs of students. The student-to-staff ratio indicates the management needs of students.)

Maximum of 15 students with a teacher; this program provides daily living and pre-vocational/vocational skills for students with developmental disabilities ages 12 and up. Job coaching also is provided for on-site support.

Maximum of 15 students with a teacher; this program provides daily living and pre-vocational/vocational skills for students with developmental disabilities ages 15 - 21. Job shadowing, job coaching, soft skill development and on the job training is provided. Download our PDF Brochure

Maximum of 12 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; programs for students identified as learning disabled, mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed requiring an academic program within the moderate range.

Maximum of 12 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; this program offers a total communication approach, using lip reading, signing and finger spelling for students who are deaf. Students are included in general education classes and receive the services of a signing aide or note-taker, as appropriate.

Maximum of 12 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; ACCESS (Adult, Community, College and Educational Support Services) Project, is located at Corning Community College and Alfred University. This project gives students the opportunity to participate in appropriate classes with their same age peer, and address issues of work, community living, and continuing education. The home school district is responsible for tuition cost and public transportation cost incurred by their students. Download our Brochure

Maximum of 8 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; programs for students identified as emotionally disturbed with behavior management needs requiring a high degree of structure and an academic program within the moderate range.

Maximum of 6 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; although primary classification may vary, all students requiring a high degree of structure, possible medical support and an academic program within the severe range.

Maximum of 6 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; this program is located within the component schools and primarily serves students with an autistic diagnosis or students that are in need of an environment that is highly structured. The emphasis is on communication and sensory-based strategies. This program provides an instructional emphasis on the development of behavior management, daily living, socialization, communication and academic skills. Speech therapy is a concentrated component of the program. When needed, physical and/or occupational therapy is provided.

Maximum of 6 students with a teacher and teacher-aide; this program services students who are classified as emotionally disabled with intensive behavior and management needs. School social workers provide a therapeutic program in a self-contained setting. Staff from the Elmira Psychiatric Center also provide a day treatment program.

12 month program- Maximum of 6 students with a teacher and teacher-aide and a full time Mental Health Therapist; programs for students ages 5-21 having severe emotional or behavioral adjustment problem that interfere with educational and social functioning. It offers a comprehensive and coordinated treatment program, integrated with educational services, to support children and their families.

This program provides a personalized educational experience for students while they are in the Adolescent Psychiatric Care Unit at St. James Mercy Hospital. Each student works on assignments provided by either their home school or by the APCU classroom. Students are provided with academic help and emotional support as needed. Students are usually assigned to a group of 6 or less, depending on the behavioral and educational needs of the group.

This program provides an individualized educational experience for students while they are in the Detention Center. Each student works on assignments provided by their home school and the classroom instructional staff. Students are provided with individual and small group instruction depending on the educational needs of the students. Additional academic support is provided as needed. Related Services are available for Students with Disabilities whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) requires a Related Service.

This is a Special Education program operated by Greater Southern Tier BOCES for six weeks during the summer. The program provides services for students who would experience substantial regression without the support of a summer program.

This is a Special Education and Mental Health collaborative program operated by Greater Southern Tier BOCES and Pathways, Inc. for six weeks during the summer

This program includes related services that are provided to students who are not attending any other extended school year program. Students are brought into their home school district and related service staff provides services at their home school.