Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), Customized and Special Populations Programs
District 287 has five customized programs that have been designed to meet the needs of the most complex, low incidence students. These programs serve students ages 7-21 and are in nine locations. The students in these special education programs have been diagnosed with a variety of neurobiological disabilities that require a highly customized environment and a low student/staff ratio. The district also serves the special student population that has been adjudicated or placed in a Care and Treatment facility and is in need of regular and/or special education.
Through Intermediate District 287 DCD/Customized/Special Populations programs, students experience belonging, mastery, interdependence, and generosity. The programs missions reflect District 287's commitment to blend district and community resources to effectively create a nurturing and growing learning environment to meet the needs of each student. These programs focus on developing pro-social behaviors, problem solving skills and independent community skills.
CIP (Communication Interaction Program) for grades: K-12
These students are primarily diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, they may have additional disabilities such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities (LD), other neurobiological disorders, or mental health diagnoses (such as anxiety or depression). These students typically have significant challenges in the areas of communication, sensory integration, and social interaction. These students typically are visual learners and need assistance for organization in all areas of learning. They also need a predictable, yet flexible individualized environment.
Site: Sandburg Education Center, 2400 Sandburg Lane North, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Ph: 763-550-3102
Epsilon - Hennepin County Home School for ages: 12-19
These students are court-ordered to Hennepin County Home School-a state-licenses residential correctional treatment center. Many are identified as having special education disabilities, primarily Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD). These youth have a wide range of behavioral and academic needs, mental illnesses, and chemical dependency issues. As a diverse learning community in a care-and-treatment setting, Epsilon is passionately committed to empowering all learners for life-long success by seeking and providing relevant, innovative, and creative educational experiences in a safe, nurturing and respectful environment. Students will acquire educational skills and knowledge to include literacy appropriate standards, needed social skills, interpersonal behaviors, self-efficacy, and advocacy skills.
Site: Hennepin County Home School, 14300 County Road 62, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Ph: 763-205-7601
Omegon for ages 13-18
These students are in a chemical dependency/mental health residential placement. Many are identified as having special education disabilities, primarily Emotional/Behavioral Disorder (EBD). The program is designed for students with a wide range of behavioral and academic needs who have a mental health and/or chemical dependency diagnosis. Students may be placed by the courts, health care plans, parents, and/or counties of legal residence. Students generally have a history of many prior interventions. Due to histories of mental health disorders, chemical dependency, special education needs, and lagging academic skills, a low student-to-staff ratio is required.
Site: Omegon, 2000 Hopkins Crossroads, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Ph: 952-374-5790
SAFE (Students Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through Education) for grades K-12
These students have significant behavioral challenges related to a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The students have a need for a customized setting, including staff and space. These students struggle with translating information from one sense to the other, have difficulty generalizing information, and have difficulty perceiving similarities and differences. In addition, they are distractible, hyperactive, impulsive, have slow cognitive pace and tactile defensiveness. These students have difficulty in an environment with other students and space, separation, and privacy are important due to the sensory issues that result from an environment with too many individuals.
Site: Bren Road Education Center, 11140 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN 55343
Ph: 952-653-1655
Site: Sandburg Education Center, 2400 Sandburg Lane North, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Ph: 763-550-3178
SUN (Students with Unique Needs) for grades K-12
These students have a special education label of Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD) along with a diagnosis of other disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Anxiety Disorders, and other mental health needs. They benefit from a customized staff-to-student ratio and a customized school curriculum in a segregated school environment. Every student has very unique special education needs that include cognitive impairments, and most have significant needs in the areas of social, emotional, sensory and behavioral development. All students require a unique environment for space, welfare, dignity and safety.
SUN
Site: Sandburg Education Center, 2400 Sandburg Lane, Golden Valley, MN 554287
Ph: 763-550-3149
SUN Richfield
Site: South Education Center, 7450 Penn Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
Ph: 612-355-5800
VENTURE for grades 6-12
These students have a diagnosis of a neurobiological disorder, for example, Tourette's syndrome, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Most students have on-going medical interventions that require close monitoring between home and school. At some point during their elementary years, they have required resources beyond what is available in their current school environment. These educational needs are directly attributable due to the impact of the unique symptoms related to their medical diagnoses. They require a unique environment that provides personal space and helps the student maintain a positive school reputation.
VENTURE
Site: Northwest Technology Center, 7008 Northland Drive, Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Ph: 763-536-0872