PRIMARY EDUCATION PROGRAM (PEP)

Welcome to PEP!  This specialized center-based placement option was created to provide children who are not quite ready for public school options to have an opportunity to gain skills and have a more successful transition into public school.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide specialized instruction that allows children with visual disabilities, including those with additional disabilities, to develop pre-academic and academic skills that will facilitate a transition to a more competitive environment with participation to the fullest extent possible.

PHILOSOPHY OF INSTRUCTION

This program:

• provides instruction designed to lead to more successful and independent academic performance when the child enters the public school system or other placement.
• provides an atmosphere that will give access to learning in a manner equal to that of sighted peers.
• provides classroom instruction by a certified teacher of children with visual impairment designed to maximize the use of visual and/or compensatory skills across all academic areas.
• provides skill instruction at each individual child’s demonstrated potential in pre-academic and academic areas.
• provides instruction from specialists in occupational therapy, physical therapy, communication, augmentative communication, orientation and mobility, and technology experienced in the unique aspects of and impact of visual impairment compounded by other disabilities on the learning process.

• provides an intensive sensory curriculum to integrate remaining senses to better receive, process and use information.

WHO IS A POTENTIAL PEP STUDENT?

PEP is an educationally and sensory based program.  Students must have a severe visual impairment that impacts access to educational materials.  Students are of primary school age (6-10) and show a readiness for academic work.  Some of these things include the ability to make choices, beginning letter sound and recognition, beginning number recognition, beginning name recognition, and an ability to follow simple directions.  PEP students require intensive/daily support from a teacher of students with visual impairment and significant modifications to the educational environment in order to access the curriculum.  

As a specialized placement, PEP is just one option in the continuum of educational placement options offered through IDEA.  The option to place a child in PEP is determined by the needs of the child and the appropriate available programs within the child’s district.  Some PEP students come for only a year.  Others may spend two or more years getting ready to join their public school peers.

For more information about PEP, please contact Jacki Daniels, Director of Educational Services