📘 Support Services at Academere

A Christian K–12 School in Florida
Empowering every student through Christ-centered, inclusive education.

🎓 Individualized Education Support

What It Is:
This is the foundation of how Academere supports students with diverse learning needs. Each child receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a customized learning profile, outlining goals, services, and accommodations based on their unique strengths and challenges.

How We Support at Academere:

  • Certified special education teachers collaborate with general educators.

  • Academic modifications and accommodations are implemented daily.

  • Goals are reviewed and updated regularly with input from families.

Common Supports:

  • Extended time on assignments/tests

  • Alternative assessments

  • Visual aids and step-by-step instructions

  • Resource room instruction

Spiritual Integration:
We help students understand that their differences are part of God’s design and empower them to grow in confidence and character.

🎓 Speech and Language Therapy

What It Is:
Speech-language therapy supports students with difficulties in communication, including speech articulation, language comprehension, fluency, and social communication.

At Academere, We Provide:

  • Services by licensed speech-language pathologists

  • In-class or pull-out therapy, depending on student needs

  • Support for both expressive and receptive language skills

Areas of Focus:

  • Pronunciation and clarity

  • Vocabulary development

  • Stuttering and voice therapy

  • Social interaction skills

Faith Connection:
We affirm that every student’s voice matters, helping them express themselves clearly and respectfully, as taught in Proverbs 15:1.

🎓 Occupational Therapy

What It Is:
Helps students develop fine motor skills and daily living skills that affect classroom participation.

How We Support:

  • OT assessments to identify needs

  • Therapy for writing, using scissors, dressing, and sensory processing

  • Classroom modifications to support function and participation

Tools Used:

  • Pencil grips, fidget tools

  • Sensory stations

  • Fine motor games

Faith Connection:
We teach students to embrace progress with patience, as Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

🎓 Physical Therapy

What It Is:
PT helps students with mobility, posture, strength, and coordination challenges fully access the school environment.

At Academere, PT May Include:

  • Exercises to improve balance and coordination

  • Support with adaptive devices (walkers, wheelchairs)

  • Modified physical education

Focus Areas:

  • Gross motor skills

  • Navigating school grounds

  • Functional mobility

Spiritual Integration:
We affirm every student’s ability to move, grow, and flourish in the body God has given them.

🎓 Homebound Instruction

What It Is:
For students temporarily unable to attend school due to medical conditions, Academere offers instruction at home or in a hospital setting.

Supports Include:

  • Weekly or bi-weekly teacher visits

  • Curriculum aligned with classroom peers

  • Coordination with school staff to maintain learning goals

When It Applies:

  • Chronic illness

  • Recovery from surgery or injury

  • Extended medical treatment

Faith-Based Support:
We ensure students remain connected to their academic community and faith during challenging seasons.

🎓 Behavioral and Emotional Support

What It Is:
Supports students with behavioral or emotional challenges that impact school success.

At Academere, We Provide:

  • Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

  • Counseling referrals

  • Daily check-ins or mentoring

  • Social-emotional learning curriculum

Tools Used:

  • Calm-down strategies

  • Token/reward systems

  • Emotional regulation guides

Spiritual Integration:
We walk with students through emotional struggles, teaching the fruit of the Spirit: patience, kindness, and self-control.

🎓 Gifted Student Programs

What It Is:
Our gifted education program serves students who show exceptional academic or creative potential.

At Academere, We Offer:

  • Accelerated or compacted curriculum

  • Independent research or projects

  • Enrichment clusters or electives

  • Leadership development opportunities

Program Focus:

  • Problem-solving

  • Critical thinking

  • Creativity and innovation

Faith Integration:
We encourage gifted students to use their God-given talents to serve others and glorify God.

🎓 Assistive Technology Support

What It Is:
AT helps students with physical, learning, or communication barriers to access curriculum effectively.

At Academere, Tools May Include:

  • Speech-to-text software

  • Alternative input devices

  • Visual schedule apps

  • Screen readers or magnifiers

Support Also Involves:

  • Training for students and staff

  • Integration into classroom routines

  • Ongoing evaluation of technology effectiveness

Biblical Connection:
We embrace innovation as a way to unlock the God-given potential in every learner.

📗 Disabilities We Support at Academere

✅ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Support Approach:

  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to sensory, communication, and social needs.

  • Use of visual supports like schedules, social stories, and communication boards.

  • Small group or one-on-one instruction to improve social interaction and communication skills.

  • Sensory-friendly environments with breaks and calming areas.

  • Collaboration with speech, occupational, and behavioral therapists.

  • Staff trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques and positive behavior supports.

Spiritual Care:
We foster empathy, patience, and respect rooted in Christian teachings, helping students grow in both skill and character.

✅ Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Support Approach:

  • Provision of hearing aids, FM systems, or cochlear implant support in classrooms.

  • Use of sign language interpreters or cued speech transliterators when necessary.

  • Captioned videos and written instructions to supplement verbal information.

  • Visual alert systems and preferential seating to optimize hearing.

  • Staff trained in Deaf culture and communication strategies.

Spiritual Care:
Encouraging communication as a gift from God, we promote inclusion and respect for diverse ways of connecting.

✅ Developmentally Delayed

Support Approach:

  • Early identification through screenings and assessments.

  • Play-based, hands-on learning adapted to developmental level.

  • Collaborative therapies (OT, PT, speech) integrated into the school day.

  • Functional academic instruction combined with social and life skills.

  • Close family involvement and regular progress reviews.

Spiritual Care:
We teach that each child is wonderfully made by God, celebrating progress at every stage.

✅ Dual-Sensory Impaired

Support Approach:

  • Customized communication plans using tactile sign language or Braille.

  • Orientation and mobility training for safe navigation.

  • Use of assistive technologies like Braille note-takers and vibrating alert devices.

  • Multi-sensory instructional materials to engage both hearing and vision.

  • Team approach involving specialists in deafblindness.

Spiritual Care:
Fostering independence and resilience by reminding students of their unique purpose in God’s plan.

✅ Emotional/Behavioral Disability (EBD)

Support Approach:

  • Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify triggers and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

  • Regular counseling and social skills training.

  • Positive reinforcement and token economies to encourage good behavior.

  • Safe spaces and de-escalation strategies.

  • Coordination with families and mental health professionals.

Spiritual Care:
Providing encouragement and hope grounded in God’s love, teaching forgiveness and self-control.

✅ Established Conditions

Support Approach:

  • Medical and health management plans coordinated with families and healthcare providers.

  • Accommodations such as modified schedules, rest breaks, or medication administration.

  • Access to therapies and support personnel.

  • Emergency response plans in place.

Spiritual Care:
Supporting each child as a precious gift, providing compassion and care in all circumstances.

✅ Gifted

Support Approach:

  • Differentiated curriculum that challenges and engages.

  • Opportunities for independent projects, leadership, and enrichment activities.

  • Flexible pacing and advanced content options.

  • Encouragement of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Spiritual Care:
Guiding students to use their talents for service and stewardship, honoring God’s gifts.

✅ Hospital/Homebound

Support Approach:

  • Coordinated homebound instruction aligned with classroom curriculum.

  • Use of technology for virtual lessons and communication.

  • Support for reintegration into school post-recovery.

  • Regular progress monitoring and collaboration with medical staff.

Spiritual Care:
Maintaining connection with the school community and God’s presence during times of hardship.

✅ Intellectual Disability

Support Approach:

  • Functional and life skills instruction alongside academic content.

  • Small group or individualized teaching.

  • Use of visual aids and hands-on learning.

  • Collaboration with therapists and caregivers.

Spiritual Care:
Valuing each student’s dignity and encouraging growth in God’s love and purpose.

✅ Language Impaired

Support Approach:

  • Speech and language therapy targeting expressive and receptive skills.

  • Visual supports and alternative communication devices.

  • Literacy interventions and language-rich classroom environments.

Spiritual Care:
Helping students find their voice as a reflection of God’s creative design.

✅ Occupational Therapy Needs

Support Approach:

  • OT services to develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.

  • Integration of therapy goals within the classroom.

  • Use of adaptive equipment as needed.

Spiritual Care:
Supporting the growth of independence and confidence in the abilities God has given.

✅ Orthopedically Impaired

Support Approach:

  • Accessibility modifications (ramps, adaptive desks).

  • PT and OT services for mobility and participation.

  • Use of assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers.

Spiritual Care:
Encouraging perseverance and faith through physical challenges.

✅ Other Health Impaired (OHI)

Support Approach:

  • Health care plans tailored to chronic illnesses or conditions.

  • Flexibility with attendance and participation.

  • Coordination with medical professionals.

Spiritual Care:
Offering hope and strength through Christ during ongoing health challenges.

✅ Physical Therapy Needs

Support Approach:

  • PT to improve gross motor skills and functional mobility.

  • Collaboration with teachers to support movement in school routines.

  • Adaptive physical education programs.

Spiritual Care:
Honoring the body as a temple and promoting health and wellness.

✅ Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Support Approach:

  • Specialized instruction in reading, writing, and math.

  • Multi-sensory approaches and use of assistive technology.

  • Small group instruction and frequent progress monitoring.

Spiritual Care:
Fostering perseverance and confidence, celebrating each success.

✅ Speech Impaired

Support Approach:

  • Targeted speech therapy for articulation, voice, or fluency disorders.

  • Classroom accommodations such as extended time for verbal responses.

Spiritual Care:
Affirming the importance of clear and kind communication as a reflection of Christ’s love.

✅ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Support Approach:

  • Modified academic expectations based on recovery stage.

  • Cognitive and behavioral support strategies.

  • Counseling and family collaboration.

Spiritual Care:
Walking with students in healing and resilience, grounded in faith.

✅ Visually Impaired

Support Approach:

  • Use of Braille, large print, or audio materials.

  • Orientation and mobility training.

  • Assistive technology like screen readers or magnification devices.

Spiritual Care:
Encouraging students to see with their hearts and trust God’s guidance.