shortcut to contentOrange-Ulster BOCES - Learning for Life logo

Serving component school districts of Orange & Ulster Counties, New York

Special Education division page heading

Intermediate Program at the Chester Learning Center

Deborah Brunjes - Principal

845-469-2270, ext. 3 Fax: (845) 469-6337

 

Students in the Intermediate Program at Chester Learning Center are ages 8-13. Classrooms accommodate a range of learning styles. Behavior modification techniques emphasize positive actions and behaviors, and students are encouraged to practice appropriate reactions in social situations.

Self-esteem, a positive self-concept and hands-on learning are enhanced through several activities. The Jason Project, a “virtual field trip” using the Internet, clubs, assemblies, horticulture activities and the Adventure-Based Learning Experience are just a few of the ways that students can successfully meet their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.

The Orange-Ulster BOCES staff works to provide the best care and education that expertise, technology and experience can offer. Our goal is for children to become as independent as possible, more self-sufficient and empowered, better able to exercise some control over their own lives and to function productively and successfully as integral members of their families and the larger community.

Reading Remediation is a reading laboratory designed for intermediate, junior and senior high school students who have had persistent difficulties learning to decode and spell words. The emphasis is on decoding and the structure of the English language using Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System techniques and materials. The programs are multi-sensory and emphasize phonics skills. A reading comprehension and basic writing skills component is built into the program.

Class Size and Student Offerings

6:1+1 Classes: This classroom setting is for students whose management needs interfere with the instructional process. Students whose management needs are intensive and require a higher degree of individualized attention are served within this classroom ratio.

Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center (RCPC): This is a classroom staffed by a specially trained teacher, social worker or psychiatrist, therapy aide and teacher’s aide who work together to provide a safe and caring place for students to learn. Medication needs of each student are closely monitored by a psychiatrist.

Transitional Placement Class (TPC): The Transitional Placement Class provides additional clinical support for students returning from a recent hospitalization or residential treatment facility. It is also utilized for those students who are in need of a greater level of service.

Program Offerings
  • New York State Certified Teachers
  • High staff-to-student ratio
  • NYS Learning Standards Curricula
  • Computers in every classroom
  • Staff trained in Theraputic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports(PBIS)
  • Therapeutic Pool (Hydrotherapy)
  • DARE (Drug Awareness and Resistance Education)
  • Assistive Technology
  • Instructional Technology
  • Counseling Services
  • Speech/Language, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services
  • Health Services
  • Vision Therapy
  • Adaptive Physical
  • Media Center
  • Music
  • Art