Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES has launched a new therapeutic program for K-12 students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met by their home school districts.
The 8:1:1 Therapeutic Program, launched in November, is a highly specialized learning environment developed in response to the growing mental health crisis among youth, BOCES said in a news release. It is grounded in best practices and "the belief that students thrive when education and therapeutic services are integrated in a collaborative, cohesive, and student-first model."
The program surrounds students with a team of professionals that includes one special education teacher, one teaching assistant and one program aide, as well as access to certified mental health providers. Students participate in small-group, special class instruction in all core subjects, with supports in place to meet grade-level academic expectations on the way to a diploma.
The program is a partnership with East Hill Medical Center, whose professionals work with school staff to provide on-site psychiatric support and medication management.
鈥淓ast Hill is more than a partner; they are a lifeline for our students and families,鈥 said Jenilee Weisbrod, principal of the program. 鈥淭he collaboration between East Hill, mental health staff, and educational teams has helped transform our students鈥 ability to regulate emotions, re-engage with learning, and regain confidence in themselves.鈥
Since partnering with East Hill, the program has seen a measurable decline in out-of-school suspensions, referrals by law enforcement and emergency room visits, BOCES said.
鈥淚 think it helps a lot to keep me calm. The people here are very kind and help when I am upset,鈥 said a student from Moravia.
鈥淚t is great here! Everyone helps me with my anger and helps me use my coping skills. When it鈥檚 really hard, they tell me to breathe and help me solve the problem,鈥 said an Auburn third-grader.
