Blog
For students in need of advanced behavioral, emotional, and special education services, alternative learning programs and positive education can often be the answer. But what does it mean to be a positive education school? At Education Alternatives, our staff members utilize the philosophy of Unconditional Positive Regard and the proprietary IAM Level System to naturally […]
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines assistive technology as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” Because this definition is so broad, assistive technology in special education […]
At Education Alternatives, we work to educate students with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs. For many students, these needs can include social anxiety, and oftentimes social anxiety is paired with another special need, like ADHD or autism. We understand the importance of addressing each of our student’s needs so they can be educated […]
At Education Alternatives, we believe that art and special education should always go hand in hand. All students benefit from various art forms being a part of their curriculum, and students with special needs are no exception. From historical examples of artists with special needs to the benefits of art in the classroom, it is […]
Children with developmental disorders can be particularly sensitive to certain stimulation that most people rarely consider. They may have extreme negative reactions to unpleasant or overwhelming sensory stimulation. These reactions may include tantrums, screaming, pacing, flailing, and more. It can be difficult for loved ones to understand why their child is behaving this way, as […]
Individualized Education Plans are documents that help direct each child’s unique education experience. The document is an agreement between the placing school district, Education Alternatives, and the parent, and it outlines the specific services the child will receive at EA. The document is developed by the IEP team, who is made up of the child’s […]
Understanding Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy for Autism If you or a loved one has autism, then you understand how it can make it difficult for someone to function independently. Sometimes autism can make people behave in ways that are not productive or beneficial to themselves or others. At Education Alternatives (EA), we understand why […]
The Advantages of IEPs An individualized education program (IEP) is developed when a student has a learning disability and needs an alternative learning program in order to succeed in school. IEPs are excellent tools for any child who has autism or another learning disability. IEPs tailor educational practices, goals, and outcomes to the needs of […]
In March, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how most children and teens learn. The shift was difficult for most families, with parents scrambling to meet their children’s academic needs while working full-time and children coping with the loss of peer interaction and uncertainty. For families with children on IEPs for emotional and behavioral challenges, the […]
Beginning in March, Education Alternatives joined thousands of IEP schools nationwide in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. As special education professionals, we understand that while remote education can be an important safety measure, it presents unique difficulties for special education students and their families. From disruption of routine to frustrating technological issues, virtual school may cause […]