Crestwood Secondary School - Special Education Services

The following outlines the key organization of our programs and services.

Personal Learning Centre (PLC)

The PLC is staffed by the Special Education Department's Resource Teachers and support staff. In collaboration with the classroom teachers and peer tutors, the PLC can offer an alternative work location. After the daily lesson in the regular classroom, students with an IEP may access individual or small group instruction, computers and assistive technology, or simply a quiet work environment. Daily visits to the PLC by students typically range between 55 and 65.

The Individual Education Plan

The Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a working document. We encourage parents / guardians and students to review the IEP regularly and to contact the appropriate Resource Teacher to discuss question and / or concerns. We welcome your involvement.

Resource Teachers

Each student with an IEP is assigned a Resource Teacher who is responsible for being an in-school advocate and resource to the individual students, his/her parents/guardians and classroom teachers. The Resource Teacher for an individual student is listed on page one of the IEP. Resource Teachers monitor student success and provide support to allow students to succeed within the regular classroom. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the Resource Teacher to discuss concerns as students make the adjustment to the expectations of the secondary system. 

Learning and Life skills Classes Crestwood has two classrooms that provide programs for students with developmental challenges. Both classes provide opportunities for integration within the school's regular program while focusing on academic, life and personal functioning skills, in order to maximize independence.

Gifted Programming  The Crestwood Enrichment Program for gifted and highly motivated students offers students the opportunity to add breadth and/or depth to the regular curriculum. The Special Education Resource Teacher for the gifted program will act as a facilitator to classroom teachers by assisting with the implementation of opportunities that expand upon the regular program. The classroom teachers will provide the academic expertise to develop meaningful subject programming.       

Leadership opportunities within and outside of the school include:

Ø      Student Council Positions

Ø      Athletic Council Positions

Ø      Peer Tutoring

Ø      All in the Week Co-Operative Education Position

Ø      Breakfast Club Coordinator

Ø      Amigos Program Leader

Ø      Out of School Workshops I.E.: E=MC (Queen's University); L.E.A.P. (McMaster University)

Ø      Active engagement in IEP development and Transition Plan development    

For additional information, please contact the following:

Dee Hutchison - Special Education Department Head 742-9221 ext: 252

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Blaine Meek - Special Education Resource Teacher 742-9221 ext: 249

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Mary Jane Dalton - Learning and Life Skills Teacher 742-9221 ext: 246

Vanessa Woodacre-Vidler - Learning and Life Skills Teacher 742-9221 ext: 264 

Erin Munro - Learning and Life Skills Teacher 742-9221 ext: 243