LEARN Behavioral, a network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, has launched Distance Learning for children receiving special education services in Glendale through their regional provider Desert Choice Schools (DCS).

DCS offers public districts a school-within-a-school model that allows students to attend a mainstream school with a system operated by special education teachers, therapists and administrators. To continue providing critical therapeutic programming and academic services to families during the coronavirus pandemic, DCS adapted their service delivery model and capabilities to provide distance learning for children with special education needs.

DCS’ approach to learning - with teachers, board-certified behavior analysts, behavior technicians, administrators, clinicians (school psychologists, speech language pathologists, etc.) all working together - extends to the virtual setting and has resulted in a strong online attendance rate.

In addition to evidence-based academic programs, DCS’ therapeutic side offers a daily skill-based group as well as a weekly mental health group led by clinicians. DCS’ services aren’t isolated to simple student engagement. Therapeutic services are extended virtually into the home, to the parents, to assist parents in problem solving in the moment.

“COVID-19 has changed the daily life of most families in the United States,” Don Scheeler, president, Behavioral Programs and Head of Corporate Development for LEARN, stated in a news release.  “In light of school closures, nationwide social distancing and other safety guidelines, many parents of children with special education needs are deliberating on how to maintain the learning and behavioral gains their children have made. DCS and LEARN are helping families throughout Arizona by providing special education distance learning which helps ensure that their children are able to continue their forward momentum towards established learning goals.”

Visit desertchoiceschools.com or learnbehavioral.com.