THRIVE

The THRIVE experience is a unique opportunity that is offered to students K-12. THRIVE provides an intensive instructional curriculum for students with complex communication, physical, medical, and educational needs.

In THRIVE, students are exposed to a variety of academic and daily living skills. As students progress through the THRIVE experience to our secondary schools, they have the opportunity to be placed in both in-school and community job internships. Collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists occurs on a regular basis to provide dynamic instructional opportunities.

Community-Based Instruction also occurs for our secondary students to reinforce classroom concepts. These include weekly trips to the grocery store, recreational opportunities (bowling, restaurants, golf, sports venues), and places to explore vocational opportunities.

Developmental Kindergarten

The MSD of Wayne Township’s Developmental Kindergarten (DK) experience is designed for students who are of kindergarten age, but may need additional support to prepare for school. The DK experience is co-taught by two teachers. A teacher in each DK classroom has been specifically trained and certified to teach Special Education and provide the specially designed instruction and strategies for each student’s unique needs.

The goal of the Developmental Kindergarten program is to provide a year during which students can learn and grow in a carefully planned environment: a framework that allows students to work on their academic, social, emotional, and physical skills. Placement in this program can occur for a variety of reasons. This is a decision reached by the parents and educators, that the child can benefit from additional time building the skills that will help make them a proficient student. The Developmental Kindergarten program participates in the full day schedule which includes lunch, specials classes, recess, and school events (celebratory days, assemblies, school wide engagement) and follows the core academic program.

Student Support Center

The Student Support Center (SSC) is a unique environment in each school that provides instruction and social skill support in a small group setting.

Co-Teaching in Transition Center

The Wayne Township Transition Center provides a capstone experience for students ages 18-22 on certificate track. Enrollees will have authentic and individually- tailored opportunities to build essential academic and independent living skills, as well as the aptitudes and behaviors needed to seek, obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment. Ultimately, transition center staff operate with the goal of guiding students into successful, satisfying lives beyond high school. Finally, in line with the MSD of Wayne Township’s mission, the transition center fulfills a critical pathway for learning that will assist students with disabilities in exceeding the present and future goals and aspirations of our community as part of a large network of partners.

At the Wayne Township Transition Center, participants will:

• be treated as an adult;
• learn their way around the local community, including the city of Indianapolis;
• take part in community events and activities;
• build upon essential academic skills;
• develop vocational skills while actively pursuing paid employment in a career that matches individual strengths, interests, and preferences;
• practice habits of a healthy lifestyle that can extend into adulthood;
• enhance daily living skills.

Sanders School

Sanders School is the special day program serving students in Pre-K through age 22 through West Central Joint Services, a five-school district cooperative. Students are placed in the program through case conference committee decisions according to guidelines in Article 7. Students who attend Sanders School need a smaller, more structured environment to meet behavior and emotional needs. Sanders serves students from five school districts: the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, the Danville Community School Corporation, the Monroe-Gregg School District, Mooresville Schools, and Speedway Schools.

At Sanders School, we are passionate about equipping our students with skills needed to develop self-awareness, self- regulation, and self-advocacy for self-realization. Our work enlightens others that our students are more than just their behavior. We understand that behavior communicates a need for support. It is our job to cultivate our students’ strengths and skills to assist them in fulfillment of their goals.