The Mini-School serves students from five to twenty-two
years of age. The school uses a multidisciplinary approach
that includes best practices in applied behavior analysis,
positive behavioral programming, language based instruction,
incidental teaching, augmentative and assistive technology
and sensory integration. The Mini-School team is made up of
highly qualified and experienced teachers and therapists.
Instruction is delivered in large group, small group and 1:1
settings with a high staff to student ratio. The Mini-School
also offers an extended day and summer school program.
History
Established in the early 1970's, the Mini-School has been
serving students on the Autism Spectrum for over 30 years.
The Mini-School began in one classroom, prior to the passage
of Chapter 766 regulations, as part of an initiative of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts to start "mini-schools"
throughout the state for students with a variety of special
needs. These "mini-schools" were situated in public school
settings allowing students with special needs the
opportunity to go to school with their peers. In 1987, the
Mini-School joined the South Shore Educational Collaborative
and has expanded to educate students in nine classrooms. In
2007, classrooms were added for students with Asperger's
Syndrome and high functioning autism.
Support Services
Support services include speech and language therapy,
occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology,
adapted physical education, music therapy, and yoga. The
Mini-School program offers parent training as well as a
monthly support group for families to ensure a strong
communication model from school to home.
Academics
The Mini-School follows the Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks as a guide in providing academic instruction at
each student's developmental level. Academics are focused on
Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science and Technology,
History and Social Sciences.
Functional Life Skills
Functional life skill training is incorporated into the
school day. Self-care skills, cooking, money management,
community experiences, leisure activities including swimming
and cooperative games, social skills training are integral
components of the program.
Vocational Training
Vocational training is provided for students who are 14
years of age and older. Students are taught job skills in
the classroom and throughout the school building. This
includes clerical, janitorial and cafeteria jobs as well as
recycling programs, operating a greenhouse, and running a
school store. In the community, we offer supportive
employment and competitive employment opportunities.
Locations
Mini-School classrooms are located in public school
buildings in South Shore Educational Collaborative
participating towns.
