Special Needs Program
GCA SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM
At Grace Christian Academy, we know that every child is a special gift from God, created with unique talents and abilities. Our Special Needs Program is designed to provide personalized support in a loving, CHRIST-centered environment that LEADS, BUILDS, and EQUIPS.
Our Special Needs Program is designed for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students who need extra support due to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioural challenges. Our program provides a nurturing, inclusive setting that helps students with different learning needs thrive. By utilizing a comprehensive development classroom (CDC) instructional approach, we focus on small-group learning with inclusion opportunities tailored to each student's strengths and needs, ensuring that every student has accessibility to a Christian education. We work closely with families to create personalized learning plans that celebrate strengths, address challenges, and encourage a strong foundation in faith.
Special Needs Program Director
Mrs. Julie Schall
PROGRAM INFORMATION
HOW WE TEACH
- Faith-Based Learning: Teaching will be implemented through the biblical worldview emphasizing God's sovereign design and plan in all subject areas.
- Multi-Sensory Learning: Using visual, auditory, and movement-based activities to help students stay engaged.
HOW WE SUPPORT BEHAVIOR
- Encouragement & Praise: Celebrating positive choices with words of affirmation and rewards.
- Teaching Alternatives: Helping children replace challenging behaviors with better choices.
- Behavior Support: Using behavior prevention and de-escalation strategies to prevent and safely manage behavioral challenges.
- Social-Emotional Learning: Instruction in self-regulation, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills.
OUR CURRICULUM
- Modified Skill-Based Curriculum: We provide a curriculum tailored to focus on essential life skills, functional academics, and personal development, helping students grown at their own pace in a meaningful way.
- Foundational Skills Development: For our students who are not working at grade level, our curriculum is adapted to meet them where they are. We focus on building foundational skills in reading, math, and other core subjects, ensuring steady progress at a pace that is right for the student.