Behavioral Disabilities Program
The Behavioral Disabilities Program is designed to serve classified special education elementary, middle and high school students (ages 5-21). Intensive educational and therapeutic experiences are delivered in a highly supportive, small school environment.
Educational services are provided through small self-contained classes staffed by a teacher and classroom aide, offering daily instruction in language arts, math, social studies and science. Following lunch, students participate in instructional enrichment electives which include art, ceramics, health and physical education, and computer gaming simulations and problem solving. Forensic Science, Food and Nutrition, and Multi-Media elective classes are also currently being offered.
Instructional activities are designed to insure student engagement by:
- Flexible use of individualized, small group and whole class approaches
- Emphasis on content relevance and direct skill application
- High interest, hands-on learning experiences
- Drawing on individual student interests and strengths
- Maximizing opportunities for student success
- Encouraging student expression and understanding of personal perceptions, ideas and feelings
Communication, thinking and interpersonal skills are developed and reinforced through cooperative class projects that integrate skills, concepts and content around curricular themes.
Individual and small group counseling, Art Therapy and psychiatric services are available to all students. Related services – Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy – are also provided as needed.
Autism Spectrum Disabilities Program
The Autism Spectrum Disabilities Program serves students, ages 3 to 8 years old, with autism spectrum disorder.
The North Hudson Academy Autism Spectrum Program utilizes the techniques of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
This is a data-driven program in which decisions regarding next steps, teaching approaches, and the application of various techniques are guided by that data. Video modeling, direct instruction and incidental teaching are also included strategies.
A one-to-one staff /student ratio is used to achieve maximum results.
Learners attend school from 8:30AM—2:00PM five days a week. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
An Extended School Year is also incorporated.
It is the goal of this program to educate every child in order to maximize his or her abilities and to minimize his or her challenges.
Program Components:
- ABA Teaching Philosophy
- Full Day Program
- Extended School Year
- Family Involvement/Training
- Transitional Services
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Coordination of school district contracted OT/PT Services infused in the classroom setting
- Inclusion Opportunities
- Art
- Experienced Multi-Disciplinary Staff
Curriculum Emphasis
The curriculum covers a broad range of educational domains specific to the autistic spectrum diagnosis including:
- Academic and Cognitive Skills
- Speech and Language Skills
- Socialization Skills
- Self-Help Skills
- Motor Skills
- Behavioral Skills
The program curriculum is based on the New Jersey Common Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Preschool Handicapped Disabilities Program
- Full Day Program
Ages 3-5
8:30 AM–2:00 PM with Breakfast and Lunch
- Rich Learning Environment provided within a highly structured and supportive small school setting
- The Creative Curriculum for Preschool
State approved curriculum emphasizing the cognitive, social/emotional, physical and language development of the preschool child
- Multidisciplinary Team of experienced instructional and related services staff