MGA Inclusion Policy
MGA is a private school educating in a multi-sensory learning environment, and striving to be inclusive of a broad range of students. Because of our small class sizes, our policy of partnering WITH parents, and our dedicated teachers, we are able to welcome students who need adaptations from the 'traditional' classroom environment. MGA is an INCLUSIVE learning community, welcoming children with a variety of learning styles, capacities, and diagnoses. Our students include those who are traditional learners in typical styles; those who have been diagnosed with developmental disorders (PDD, Asperger's); those with some behavioral challenges; and those who are considered 'gifted and talented.' We have a wide variety and want to maintain that broad spectrum in our learning community.
Many families begin homeschooling because full-time public and private schools are a poor fit for the child who does not learn in traditional ways. For those children, part-time classes can be the perfect fit. Learning remains home-centered, but the child can continue to have group learning experiences and peer interaction in the classes. And, with our small teacher-student ratio, we can make accommodations in the classroom that many larger schools cannot.
Sara DeRaud is our Inclusion Specialist. Sara has a M.S. degree in Clinical Behavioral Psychology and has employment experience working with children as a preschool teacher, Learning Specialist, and Educational Consultant. Sara's practical experience is with children who have learning challenges, and she assists teachers and parents in determining appropriate accommodations. Sara acts as liaison between parent, teacher and student, as described below.
Collaboration between Sara, the parents, the student, and the teacher is key to making MGA classes a good fit for a wide number of students.
Sara's role:
Act as a liaison between MGA, parents, and students in order to support a beneficial learning environment for the student while attending MGA classes. Specific job tasks would include:
- Attend introductory interviews when appropriate
- Communicate strategies to MGA personnel that are currently being used at home or in therapy to support child
- Support parents as appropriate including supplying information on helpful resources
- Work with teachers to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications
- Clarify and maintain communication between parents, MGA personnel and the student to support family and class goals
- Support students by clarifying assignments, helping with organization, analyzing tasks in order to complete assignments, and promoting self-advocacy skills
- Support teachers by presenting multisensory structured educational teaching strategies
If your child has learning challenges, email or call to schedule an interview, and we can discuss whether MGA will meet your needs.