Goshen Satellite Program
Jodie Maassen, Principal
Kathleen Smith, Assistant Prinicpal
(GIS) Office: (845) 291-0531, Fax: (845) 291-0538
The satellite program at the Goshen Intermediate School (GIS) focus on having students reach the highest level of functioning possible. The program provides services for students ages 5 to 11 (grades K - 5) in a 6:1+2 ratio and is designed to meet the needs of children with autism and related disabilities. Classes provide a highly structured setting through the use of individual student schedules, one-on-one teaching and independent work areas. Students participate in daily group instruction as well as group activities, including art, music and physical education.
A key component is the fostering of independence in all areas: academics, self-help, socialization, language and social skills. Skills are taught individually and then in a group setting. Many opportunities are given to practice the skills allowing for generalization. The goal is to have the student perform each task independently once he or she is able to understand what is expected.
There is an emphasis on building social/coping skills, academic skills and language skills. One of the major areas affected in autism is the child’s ability to process and use language. Through the use of visual aids and social stories, students are shown/reminded what language looks like and expectations are. This allows them to better process expectations and language.
Staff have adapted materials for directions, self-help skills, toileting, academics, communication, social skills and community activities.
Many students with autism also have difficulty with sensory issues and have an inability to process sensory information. The occupational therapists work collaboratively with the classroom teachers, other support staff and parents to design a sensory diet to assist students with significant sensory processing difficulties.
Providing students with the opportunity to practice their skills has become an integral part of the program. Students work on skills such as social conversation, money, making requests, and appropriately interacting both with their peers and adults within their environment and out in the community.
Students are given the opportunity to participate in group recreational activities, such as clubs, within the classroom environment. This gives them a chance to generalize skills they have learned individually.
Parents are an important factor in the satellite program as they are able to provide much needed information about their children. A parent group meeting is held monthly to discuss strategies, provide parents with up-to-date information, listen to speakers and network with other parents. Parents have the opportunities to use schedules and the strategies used in school while at home. Classroom teachers and support staff communicate with parents routinely.
The program is ever-evolving, and through the creativity of staff in consideration of student needs, new materials and strategies are always being developed. Staff remain current with recent developments in autism and, where appropriate, incorporate them into the classroom routines.