OASIS Unit at EXL
Supporting Special Needs Children Through Individualized Assistance.
Program Overview
The OASIS (Opportunities for Assistance, Support, Inclusion, and Success) unit at EXL is a specialized program dedicated to providing tailored support for children with special needs. The primary goal of this program is to ensure that each child receives the individual assistance necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within an inclusive environment.
Children enrolled in the OASIS unit require additional support to navigate their educational journey effectively. To facilitate this, each student is paired with a shadow teacher who works closely alongside them during classroom activities. The shadow teacher's role is to maintain focus on the student's unique needs, assist with classroom tasks, and promote active participation.
Support from Education Specialists
In addition to shadow teachers, students benefit from the expertise of an education specialist. This specialist collaborates with classroom teachers, shadow teachers, and families to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to each child's specific needs. The specialist also supports the integration of the student into the general classroom setting, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Inclusion and Classroom Integration
The shadow teacher plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion within the classroom. They work to ensure that the student remains engaged and involved with their peers, facilitating social interactions and participation in group activities. The shadow teacher remains focused on the child's needs while being inclusive with other students, fostering a supportive and respectful classroom atmosphere.
Time Allocation: Classroom Inclusion and OASIS Support
The program balances classroom inclusion with dedicated time in the OASIS unit. Students spend part of their day in the regular classroom environment, where they participate alongside their peers. The remaining time is allocated to specialized support within the OASIS unit, where targeted interventions and activities are provided to meet individual goals.
Conclusion
The OASIS unit at EXL exemplifies a commitment to inclusive education by providing specialized support that respects each child's uniqueness. Through dedicated shadow teachers, collaboration with education specialists, and a balanced schedule of classroom inclusion and targeted support, the program aims to foster a nurturing environment where all children can succeed.