Special Education Services & Programs

Meridian World School believes in educating students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. All students are general education students first; however, not all learners are successful in a general education environment. Meridian strives to provide special education services to children with disabilities to meet their unique needs and therefore offers a continuum of instructional services in a variety of settings.

These services may include modifications, special education support, supplementary aids, and other special arrangements. Instructional program and setting are determined by the ARD committee based on the child’s individual needs.

Meridian’s continuum of special education services in order to optimize the educational experience of all students with disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Mainstream Inclusion – The student’s instruction and related services are provided in the general education classroom with special education support.
• Resource Room - When the student needs special education instruction and related services in a setting other than general education, Resource and Approaches to Learning (ATL) classrooms augment regular classroom instruction. This setting allows teachers and paraprofessionals to accommodate students needing supports such as small-group instruction, fewer distractions, reteaching and oral administration.
• Self-Contained Classroom - For students who need special education instruction and related services for 50% or more of the school day. This includes our Functional Learning Classroom (FLC).
• Homebound - Homebound services provide instruction to eligible students who are at home or in a hospital setting. Students served through homebound have a medical condition or extended illness that prevents attendance in school for at least four weeks, as documented by a physician licensed to practice in the U.S. Instruction may also be provided to chronically ill students who are expected to be confined for any period of time totaling at least four weeks throughout the school year, as documented by a licensed physician. When services are provided in a private setting, such as a home, there must be an adult other than the student and the teacher present in the home.

In addition to the services above, Meridian ensures the provision of related services in accordance with a student’s ARD/IEP.

These services may include (but are not limited to):

• Speech and language therapy: Speech Language Pathologists work with the students who experience speech and language delays like articulation, language, fluency and pragmatics that affect their social interaction, literacy and learning. Students generally receive services based on their IEPs either in small groups or within the classroom setting.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists work with the students to improve their cognitive, physical, and motor skills. Students generally receive services individually or in groups depending on their IEPs.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapists work with the students to improve their muscle control, balance and to promote sensory motor development and independence in functional mobility skills.
• Counseling services: Related services personnel work with students to develop appropriate behavior and social skills that allow them to benefit from their educational experience.
• Assistive technology: It is used by the students with disabilities in order to perform functions that are difficult or impossible for them. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software or other electronic devices
• Music Therapy: It is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. 
• Adapted Physical Education (APE): Adapted Physical Education is a diversified program suited to the capabilities, needs, and interests of students with disabilities who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted physical education activities. Adapted Physical Education specialists identify students through an evaluation process that focuses on motor and perceptual motor patterns.