IAA North Programs

IAA North Programs

As our north campus offers a larger campus, we are able to offer additional programs and opportunities to serve greater needs. All programs otherwise listed on the school website are offered at the North campus, but those listed below are in-addition to what is otherwise outlined on the IAA website.

Non-Verbal/Minimally-Verbal Classrooms

Within these classrooms, students are placed with similarly aged peers and those with aligned academic abilities. The classroom is taught by a certified special education teacher who is experienced in working with nonverbal or minimally verbal students. Additionally, a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will frequently be in the classroom throughout the day to provide specialized group and individual support and therapy for students. Additionally, each student can expect to receive individual speech therapy as well.

The program highly encourages the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to support communication. The classroom environment is structured to support communication development, with visual supports, communication boards, and other tools to facilitate communication. 

The curriculum, including enCORE for core subjects, is highly individualized, focusing on functional communication skills, social skills, and language development. Activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, promoting communication and interaction among students and teachers. The goal of the program is to empower students to communicate effectively, enhance their social interactions, and increase their academic knowledge. 

Tuition for this program is $31,500 due to the addition of speech-therapy.

Significant Cognitive Delays and/or Behaviors

At our north campus, we are equipped to effectively support students with more severe cognitive delays and behaviors related to autism, developmental delays, or cognitive delays. Our approach is multidisciplinary, involving a team of experienced special education teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, and other special education professionals.

Just as all students at IAA receive an individualized Academic Plan, your child will receive one focusing on his or her unique strengths, needs, and learning styles. Our classrooms are structured and provide a predictable and supportive environment for students. We use evidence-based practices to address challenging behaviors and to teach new skills.

Our staff are trained to manage behaviors effectively, using positive behavior support strategies to promote positive behavior and reduce challenging behaviors. We also provide social skills training and support to help students develop social communication skills and build relationships with peers.

IAA is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Curriculum

We utilize a variety of curriculum to ensure all student needs are met. During the development of each student's individualized Academic Plan, we will determine the best class placement and curricular options for your child's success. 

The primary curriculum utilized that differs from that of the south IAA campus is:

enCORE: This is a comprehensive core curriculum covering math, language arts, science, and social studies. It is a thematic cross-curricular program that provides instruction at multiple levels and exposure to grade level standards in an appropriate way for all academic abilities. This curriculum includes a direct component for AAC usage, many hands-on components, relevant literature provided at 3 different levels (pictoral through a modified text level), and is appropriate for students in grades K-12. 

View a sample elementary and high school literature option below (all 3 levels are contained within each document and can be further adapted by the teacher during instructional time):

You can read about other curricula utilized on the primary Curriculum page. 

AAC Devices

We strongly encourage all students who are non/minimally verbal to have an AAC device for use at school and home. Ms. Olivia Bell, one of IAA's Speech Language Pathologists, is happy to help provide information to families to help with the attainment of such a device, including information that can help insurance cover a device of this kind. 

1:1 Technology

At each of our campuses we have 1:1 technology available for all students. This includes either an assigned student laptop or an assigned iPad, based on the age and ability of the student. While students do not receive their curriculum from the device, devices are used for some independent work and practice, research projects, technology life-skills, etc. All devices are monitored for safety.  

Sensory Room

At our north campus, we have a large dedicated sensory room designed to provide a calming and therapeutic environment for all students who need, or would benefit from, time spent in the area. The sensory room is equipped with a variety of sensory tools and equipment, such as soft lighting, flexible & comfortable seating, tents and ‘nooks’, beanbag chairs, bubble tubes, balance stones, mats and therapy balls, balance beams, sensory swings, a lighting projector to project various patterns or stars, a flowing water fountain, weighted lap pads, and dozens of bins with assorted sensory activities. The room is designed to cater to the sensory needs of various aged students and those with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other sensory sensitivities.

We feel it is important to provide the sensory room in order to have a safe and supportive place for students to regulate their sensory experiences. Many of our students may have difficulty processing sensory information, which can lead to challenges in focusing, regulating emotions, and participating in daily activities. The sensory room offers a controlled environment where students can engage in sensory activities that help them calm down, refocus, and self-regulate. Additionally, this space can be used to promote self-organization and can be a space where peers can explore and work on social skills together.

On-Site Therapy

IAA North employs licensed Speech Language Pathologists who will integrate into classrooms and provide speech services throughout the day to students. Additional services will be available after school, at an additional cost, for the convenience of the parent and student.

Having speech therapy on-site allows us to integrate speech and language goals seamlessly into our students’ daily routines and academic activities. Our speech therapists work closely with teachers and other professionals to develop individualized treatment plans that target each student’s specific communication needs.

Additional therapies, including PT and OT, may be available during the school day, and/or after school as well. Please give us a call to discuss this need as we create our therapy schedules for the upcoming school year.