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Bright Beginnings Learning Center
BACKGROUND
The Middlesex Regional
Educational Services Commission began operating Bright Beginnings
Learning Center in September, 1998. Located on the MRESC Piscataway
campus, the school provides educational and therapeutic services for
preschool and elementary students, ages 3-12, with autism or severe
multiple disabilities.
MISSION
STATEMENT
Bright Beginnings
Learning Center, in a collaborative partnership with sending districts
and families, provides a balanced, challenging, and comprehensive
education, based on the principles of applied behavior analysis, for
students with autism or multiple disabilities, empowering every learner
to reach his or her full potential.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
integrates resources of the school, families, and community to maximize
student independence and potential for lifelong learning. Curricula are
aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, and
students participate in the NJASK or Alternate Proficiency Assessment.
Assistive technology, SMART Boards, and classroom computers enhance
instruction. Related service providers and classroom staff work collaboratively to
integrate and support student needs. School staff assists resident
districts to provide a smooth transition for students to inclusive
education opportunities.
STUDENT
SELECTION CRITERIA
Classified students,
pursuant to 6A:14, ages 3-12 who require placement in the following
types of special class programs:
- Preschool
Student with Disabilities
- Multiple
Disabilities
- Cognitive
Disabilities
- Autism
- Other
classifications as appropriate
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Instructional Program
-
Learning Readiness
- Academics
- Functional
Academics
- Communication
Skills
- Activities of
Daily Living
- Recreational and
Play Skills
- Vocational
Training/Career Exploration
- Music Education
- Art Education
- Social Skills
Training
-
Technology Enhanced
Learning
Related Services
- Speech/Language
Therapy
- Occupational
Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Adaptive Physical
Education
- Medical/Nursing
Services
Specialized Services
- Community Field
Trips
- Augmentative
Communication Evaluation and Instruction
- Inclusion Support
- Parent Training
and Family Support
- Nutritional
Management/Feeding/Dysphagia
- Seizure Management
- Individualized
Behavior Management Planning
- Sensory Room
- Observation Rooms
Staffing
- Teachers of
Students with Disabilities, Highly Qualified according to NJ Regulations
- Speech/Language
Specialists
- Occupational
Therapists
- Physical
Therapists
- School Nurses
- Adaptive Physical
Education Teacher
- Music Teacher
- Art Teacher
- Trained
Instructional Aides
- Social Worker
- Case Manager
- Board Certified
Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
- Consultant in
Pediatrics
-
Consultant in
Behavioral Psychology
Academic Pr
Academic Program Offerings / MRESC Curricula
- NJ Core Curriculum
Content Standards
- Language Arts
Literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Visual &
Performing Arts
- Social Skills
- Consumer, Family &
Life Skills
- Vocational
Education
- Adaptive Physical
Education
- Speech & Language
APPROVALS
New Jersey Department of
Education
CALENDAR
- September to June
ten (10) month program
- Extended School
year Program (in July and August)
- The combined 10
month and ESY programs offer 2l0 days of instruction
ADMISSION/REFERRAL PROCESS
Inquiries from New Jersey public school
districts can be addressed to the Principal or Supervisor. Written
referrals with the student's child study team records are reviewed prior to
a scheduled intake meeting. Resident child study team members,
parents/guardians and students are requested to attend the intake
interviews.
Public school personnel or parents interested in more
information should contact:
Wendy Eaton,
Principal
weaton@mresc.k12.nj.us
Cindy Borell, Supervisor
cborell@mresc.k12.nj.us
Bright Beginnings
Learning Center
1660 Stelton Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Telephone: (732)
339-9331
Fax: (732) 339-9441
PROGRAM FOR
PRESCHOOL STUDENTS
The program for preschool students follows
the NJDOE 2009 Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards with an
early childhood program adapted to meet the individual needs of younger
learners, providing opportunities to develop their strengths and compensate
for their learning differences. Speech/Language, Occupational, and Physical
Therapies are available based on each student’s IEP.
PROGRAM FOR
STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
The program for students with multiple
disabilities focuses on the development of communication, academic,
self-care, and social skills. Students learn how to function as
independently as possible in school, home, and community settings.
Individualized instruction supports different learning styles and is
provided according to each student’s IEP. Related services staff work
closely with families and sending districts to meet individual mobility and
communicative assistive technology needs of students.
PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most
commonly used evidence-based approach for teaching students with autism.
Students with autism are taught through systematic strategies and
consistently reinforced for displaying desired behaviors. A vital part of
this program is the collection of daily data to measure the progression of
skill development and to equip staff with information they need to make
judgments regarding instruction and the generalization of skills learned.
Social skills training is incorporated into all autistic classes and is
applied within the school and community settings.
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Bright Beginnings
Learning Center
