Melmark Carolinas serves students, ages five to 22, who require a more specialized special education and clinically sophisticated environment than is available in a public school setting. Our 1:2 teacher-to-student ratio allows us to focus on each student’s personal growth and development, shaping a learning environment that fits each child’s specific needs enabling progress on his or her Individual Education Program (IEP). Our educational staff come to Melmark Carolinas with at least a bachelor’s degree. Staff participate in an array of educational training and in-service programs, in addition to extensive professional development opportunities. We implement each student’s IEP as coordinated with the IEP team. Our special educational programs are integrated to work in collaboration with community resources and include both pre-vocational and vocational training.
We offer:
- Department of Public Instruction (DPI) approved Exceptional Children’s Program
- Specially designed classrooms for students who have not responded to other school settings, including those on modified-day or homebound placement
- 1:2 teacher-to-student instructional arrangements (or 1:1 teacher to student if designated by the IEP)
- All programs adhere to evidence-based practices based on the foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Pre-vocational and vocational training; volunteer and community work opportunities
- Academic and functional skill instruction. Academic skills aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study or Extended Content Standards
- School runs from 8:00–2:00 pm, 12-month calendar to ensure skill maintenance and avoid regression
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Special Educators each with over 10 years of experience provide program supervision to ensure quality control
- Specially designed individual and group instruction provided in anticipation of transitions to inclusive settings including a return to public school classrooms when appropriate
- Ongoing assessment of skills to aid in goal setting and to facilitate student progress
- Children’s Consultation Services
- Assessments include Woodcock Johnson IV, VB-MAPP, ABLLS, ABS, and other standardized tests and assessments
- Extensive utilization of technology to facilitate learning, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Related Services
Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy are incorporated with classroom teachers, facilitating the extension of these important services. To assure the highest level of quality and consistency, teachers and ancillary clinical staff receive close supervision and support from senior-level clinical staff. Our nursing staff supports the health of the student population.