Prof. Development - Fri, Nov 8 (No School) & Veterans Day - Mon, Nov 11 (No School)

Inclusive Education

Inclusive Classrooms

At Creative Minds, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment that ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive. We firmly believe in the power of inclusive education, where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, are embraced and supported within the general education curriculum.

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our inclusive classroom practices, where over 85% of students with disabilities spend their entire day, including core instruction time, alongside their peers in the general education setting. Here, students benefit from:

  • Access to the general education curriculum
  • Implementation of evidence-based practices
  • Pull-out services are utilized only as necessary
  • Provision of accommodations and assistive technology
  • Supplementary aids and services tailored to individual needs
  • Dedicated one-on-one aide support for students who need it

We have a team of service providers, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, counselors, audiologists, assistive technology specialists, physical therapists, and other specialists.

student in pink hat works at her desk

Fostering Inclusion

Several factors contribute to our success in fostering inclusion, including:

  • Active engagement with families and external partnerships
  • Utilization of evidence-based strategies benefiting all learners
  • Continuous professional development to enhance inclusive practices
  • Collaboration among staff, fostering collective responsibility for student success

Programs

At Creative Minds International PCS, we are dedicated to supporting every student’s unique learning needs. When an educator or parent suspects a student may have developmental delays, learning challenges, or social-emotional difficulties, we initiate a pre-referral process. This involves observing the student, documenting concerns, analyzing data, implementing intervention strategies, and consulting with the student support team. If these strategies are not sufficient, we proceed with a comprehensive evaluation, which includes obtaining parental consent, conducting various assessments, and determining eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Similarly, the 504 eligibility process begins with a referral from a parent or an educator. The 504 team evaluates the student, considering medical records, teacher observations, parent input, and educational assessments to determine if the student has a disability that significantly impacts major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, eating, walking, standing, learning, and others. If eligible, the team collaborates with the parents to develop a 504 plan detailing necessary accommodations and support services.

For inquiries about special education services, please contact Patrick Noel for preschool through 3rd grade or Oladunni Obaro for 4th through 8th grade.

Students learning English as a second language, known as Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs), receive additional support and services to enhance their English language proficiency and access to the general education curriculum. Our EL teachers collaborate with grade-level teams to provide tailored support in the classroom. For inquiries about the EL Program, please contact Hannah Bowles, Inclusion and EL Services Manager or Dr. Emmanuel Taiwo, Executive Director of Inclusion.

Questions?

At CMI, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

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