Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools - May/June 2019 | Page 7

Exceptional Children’s Program offers comprehensive
services to help students attain their dreams
In UCPS, all of the district’s 41,000+ students are being
equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in college, career
and life. That number includes not only just the students in regular
education classes but also more than 4,000 students enrolled in the
district’s Exceptional Children’s program.
From a low-cost preschool program where students with
disabilities and typical students learn together in an inclusive
environment to a program where older students are connected to
jobs with local employers, students as young as three years old to
young adults as old as 22 years old are constantly being developed
intellectually, physically, emotionally and vocationally. The program
offers an extensive level of comprehensive services for children and
young adults who have disabilities that are unmatched by other
school systems in the county.
“Our goal is for our students to be productive citizens who
are employable. Whatever their dream is – whether it’s college or
the workforce – we want them to attain that dream and have the
skills needed to succeed,” said Dr. Pokie Noland, UCPS Director of
Exceptional Children. “Our students have the skills and capabilities,
they just need more support. Our goal is to provide the support
they need so they can be successful.”
In the Exceptional Children’s program, Dr. Noland added,
teachers and instructional assistants are not only highly qualified
but also have a passion for their job and the students.
The number of services available to support families and
students throughout their time in the school system are vast
and include: a specific social worker that works with Exceptional
Students families, physical and occupational therapy, speech
language therapy, transition planning, parent nights and more.
Students who take classes in regular education classes also have
the option to be served through a co-teaching model, and there is
also an autism specialist works with teachers to provide guidance
and support.
Not only that, but the way many schools have been intentional
about having clubs that pair regular education students with
Exceptional Children’s students help to foster a more inclusive
environment in schools. Partnerships with local businesses and
community organizations also provide students with job skills that
will help them find employment after graduation.
“Our goal is to support schools and families, and that support
comes in many different ways. It comes from working together,
building relationships, being there when we’re needed and servant
leadership,” she said. “In this district, we talk about supporting
schools, students and families. But we not only talk about it, we
also do it – and that’s the expectation that we have here.”
Parent Teacher Magazine • May/June 2019 • 5