Programs & Services

Wayne Township Preschool Early Childhood Support

As a parent, you know your child best. If you have any concerns about your 3-5 year old's development, we're here to help. 

Taking the First Step: Our Evaluation Process

1. Call Us: Reach out at 317-988-7900 to share your concerns and schedule an evaluation. 
2. Comprehensive Assessment: Our team of experts will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child's skills and functioning level.
3. Review Meeting: We'll discuss the evaluation results with you and answer all your questions.
4. Create a Plan: If needed, we'll develop a support plan for your child.

Why Act Now?

Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development and future school success. The earlier we identify and address challenges, the better the outcomes. Don't wait if you have concerns. Call us today at 317-988-7900 to start the conversation about your child's development.

What is Developmental Kindergarten?

M.S.D. of Wayne Township Developmental Kindergarten is designed for students who are of kindergarten age but may need additional support to prepare for school. Our program provides a nurturing environment where students can develop crucial academic, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Key Features of Our Developmental Program

• Co-taught by two teachers, including a certified Special Education instructor
• Full-day schedule including lunch, specials classes, and recess
• Participation in school-wide events and assemblies
• Follows the core academic program
• Carefully planned environment for optimal growth and learning

Specialized Instruction

Our Developmental Kindergarten classrooms are led by a teacher who is trained to provide specially designed instruction and strategies tailored to each student's unique needs.

Program Goals

The primary goal of our Developmental Kindergarten program is to provide a foundational year for students to:

• Develop academic readiness skills
• Enhance social and emotional competence
• Improve physical skills and coordination
• Build a strong foundation for future academic success

Is Developmental Kindergarten Right for Your Child?

Placement in the Developmental Kindergarten program is a collaborative decision between parents and educators. It's ideal for children who could benefit from additional time to develop skills that will help them become proficient students.

Factors to Consider

• Academic readiness
• Social and emotional maturity
• Physical development
• Individual learning needs

Curriculum and Daily Schedule

Our Developmental Kindergarten program follows the core academic curriculum while providing additional support and individualized instruction. The full-day schedule includes:

• Academic instruction
• Lunch and recess
• Specials classes (art, music, physical education)
• Participation in school-wide events

Contact Us

For more information about our Developmental Kindergarten program or to schedule a consultation, please contact The Office of Special Services.

What is THRIVE?

THRIVE is a unique, comprehensive program designed for K-12 students with complex communication, physical, medical, and educational needs. Our intensive curriculum provides dynamic instructional opportunities tailored to each student's individual requirements.

Key Features of THRIVE

• Individualized instruction for students K-12
• Focus on both academic and daily living skills
• Collaborative approach with speech, occupational, and physical therapists
• In-school and community job internships for secondary students
• Community-based instruction to reinforce classroom concepts

THRIVE Experience: Elementary to Secondary

As students progress through THRIVE, our curriculum evolves to meet their changing needs:

1. Elementary Level: Foundation in academic and daily living skills
2. Secondary Level:
   • Continued academic growth
   • Job internship opportunities (both in-school and community-based)
   • Enhanced focus on vocational skills

Community-Based Learning

Our secondary students participate in weekly community activities to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings, including:

• Grocery store visits
• Recreational outings (bowling, restaurants, golf, sports venues)
• Vocational exploration

Collaborative Approach

THRIVE integrates expertise from various specialists to provide comprehensive support:

• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists

Together, we create a supportive environment that nurtures each student's potential and prepares them for a fulfilling future.

Sanders School: Specialized Education for Unique Needs

Sanders School is a distinguished special day program within the West Central Joint Services cooperative, serving students from kindergarten through age 22. Our program is designed to meet the needs of students who require a more structured and supportive learning environment.

Program Highlights

• Serves students from five school districts: Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, Danville Community School Corporation, Monroe-Gregg School District, Mooresville Schools, and Speedway Schools
• Placement through case conference committee decisions in accordance with Article 7 guidelines
• Specialized support for students with behavioral and emotional needs

Our Unique Approach

At Sanders School, we believe in nurturing each student's individual strengths through:

Personalized Learning

• Tailored curriculum to meet specific learning needs
• Small class sizes for individualized attention
• Integrated sensory and regulatory activities
• Emphasis on both academic and life skills development

Comprehensive Support Team

• Dedicated teacher of record
• Positive Behavior Intervention team member
• Related service providers

Innovative Learning Environment

• Flexible seating and learning spaces
• Integration of technology to enhance learning experiences
• Regular progress monitoring and family communication

Our commitment to provide personalized support, consistent structure, and individualized attention in a nurturing atmosphere is designed to help students thrive academically and emotionally.

For more information about our program or to discuss your child's needs, please contact the Office of Special Services.

The Student Support Center (SSC) is a unique environment in each school that provides instruction and social skill support in a small group setting.

Wayne Township Transition Center: Empowering Young Adults for Success Beyond High School

The Wayne Township Transition Center offers a transformative experience for certificate track students ages 18-22. Our program is designed to bridge the gap between high school and adult life, providing individualized support to help students achieve their full potential.

We aim to equip young adults with disabilities with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead successful, satisfying lives beyond high school. We create pathways for learning to enable our students to exceed community expectations.

What We Offer

At the Wayne Township Transition Center, participants will:

• Be treated as an adult
• Learn their way around the local community, including the city of Indianapolis
• Take part in community events and activities
• Build upon essential academic skills
• Develop vocational skills while actively pursuing paid employment in a career that matches individual strengths, interests, and preferences
• Practice habits of a healthy lifestyle
• Enhance daily living skills

Our Approach

We provide:

• Authentic, individually-tailored learning experiences
• Focus on building essential academic and independent living skills
• Development of aptitudes and behaviors needed for competitive, integrated employment
• Guidance towards successful transition into adult life
• Collaboration with a large network of community partners

Program Highlights

• Personalized transition planning
• Real-world skill application
• Career exploration and job placement assistance
• Life skills training
• Community engagement opportunities
• Ongoing support and guidance

We are committed to providing comprehensive support for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. We offer a range of specialized services and tools tailored to each student's unique needs.

Our Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Include: 

• Sign Language Interpreters
• Listening and Spoken Language Instruction
• Support in the classroom
• Self-advocacy instruction
• Academic intervention
• Consultation with our deaf and hard of hearing teacher
• Appropriate hearing assistive technology such as FM systems and sound field systems

Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Indiana Hands and Voices 

HEAR Indiana

Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

American Society for Deaf Children

We are dedicated to empowering students who are blind or have low vision with the tools and skills they need to succeed academically and independently.

Our Blind & Low Vision Services Include:

• Braille instruction
• Instruction in using functional vision
• Self-advocacy instruction
• Consultation with a blind and low vision teacher
• Large print, braille, and digital materials as needed
• Access to slant boards, magnification devices, text to speech programs
• Other tools to enhance their best vision at school

Resources for Blind/Low Vision

National Federation of the Blind

American Foundation for the Blind

 cvi.aphtech.org

lilliworks.org

littlebearsees.org

wonderbaby.org

perkins.org

isbvik12.org

Physical and Occupational Therapy Services In School

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) are essential members of our special education team. They provide specialized support to enhance students' abilities to function independently and achieve their educational goals within the school environment.

Our Approach

It's important to note that school-based therapy differs from clinical therapy. In accordance with federal guidelines, school-based therapy focuses on educational relevance. Our OTs and PTs offer tailored interventions that:

• Improve access to the educational environment
• Enhance classroom participation
• Support progress toward IEP goals
• Promote independence in school-related tasks

Considerations for Eligibility

When deciding the appropriate service delivery for a student, the Case Conference Committee must determine the least restrictive environment.

• Does the challenge significantly interfere with the student’s ability to participate in the special education/general education curriculum?
• Does the challenge in an identified area appear to be caused by limitations in a motor area?
• Can the student’s deficit areas be managed by the educational team without the expertise of an OT or PT?
• Can the student’s deficit areas be managed through classroom accommodations and/or modifications?

Service Delivery

Related services may vary over time. Student therapy needs may differ in intensity and in focus during the student’s school years.

• Direct – Therapy techniques are administered by the therapist.
• Consult – The means by which a therapist can help other professionals meet a student’s IEP. Therapy goals are implemented in the school environment with communication from the therapist typically quarterly to monthly.

By collaborating with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals, our OTs and PTs play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students.

What are Speech and Language Impairments?

Speech or language impairments are communication disorders such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment or voice impairment that adversely affects a student’s educational performance.

School-based therapists provide educationally relevant services in school settings. Therapists are trained to provide many types of developmental and rehabilitative services. However, federal guidelines require the school based therapist to provide only those services that are necessary to enable students to access the educational environment of their school, and to benefit from their special education programs.

We use the Second Step curriculum to provide age-appropriate lessons and activities to build these essential skills.

• Learning skills
• Empathy
• Emotion management
• Problem-solving

Learn more about Second Step.