PEP Classic question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Capp- most restrictive autism placement, full day

Full day- around 8 students, two para educators

Inc- 2.5 hours, around 8 students, two para educators

Classic- 2.5 hours, around 10-12 students, one para educator

Pilot- 2.5 hours, often 12 plus students, mix of students with IEP’s and those without, one para educator

Collaboration- 2.5 hours, around 12 students, blend with pre-k class whose students serve as peer models-when mixing classes, numbers can be 15 or so, one para educator

There are so many factors that go into determining placement and it isn’t an exact science. Kids get misplaced all the time-or maybe it’s an appropriate placement in theory, but the makeup of the class at that particular time just isn’t the right fit. Talk through your thinking of what your child needs/would most benefit from. See what information they can share about your child’s strengths and needs. A united parent and school staff will be most effective as often there is push back from PEP higher ups regarding placement changes- particularly to a more restrictive environment.

OP here. Thank you for this. I appreciate. This is what I found for PEP Inc:
PEP INC serves children with severe communication and sensory integration needs in a structured classroom. A class of 6–9 students is taught by a special educator and two paraeducators in a special education setting.

I wonder what "severe communication" needs refer to. My DS is non-verbal at school due to social anxiety.

DP - does your DS have selective mutism? Mine does but we've have great success keeping her at her regular daycare and working with a therapist (private unfortunately). I'm curious how PEP would work for selective mutism. I'd be worried they'd focus too much on non-verbal communication and not do enough to encourage speech.

To clarify, there is a method called PCIT-SM that can "cure" Selective Mutism, but the therapist needs to be trained in it. Being nonverbal due to anxiety is different from being nonverbal due to developmental issues. It's possible to have success with a nonspecialist therapist but they have to learn the methods and the teachers do as well. I've heard many cases of kids getting therapy and not making progress because the therapist is not trained. With SM it really makes a big difference to treat early because the anxiety gets more ingrained.