The Transition to Adult LifeWhen a student can feel like they have mastered life in secondary education, it’s time to move on. This transition can be a scary moment for students, especially those with special needs because it can present a need for change in environment, routine, and loads of uncertainty. The Harbor School understands […]
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According to the CDC, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. While it has become more of a part of our society, as of 2019, a vast majority of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. How do we change that? Building autism acceptance. Building Autism Acceptance Year Round April is Autism Acceptance Month […]
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What Causes Anxiety in Children?Have you noticed a change in your child’s demeanor? Or perhaps they exhibit a behavior that seems to be causing them great distress? Just like adults, children are susceptible to anxiety, and unlike adults, they are less aware it is happening to them. In our fast-paced lives, we may not realize […]
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Learning how to resolve conflicts is an important part of a child’s social-emotional development and is an essential life skill. Conflicts are bound to arise in multiple aspects of a child’s life, whether it be at home or at school. Giving children the knowledge and tools to effectively resolve conflicts will help them understand that […]
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Teaching with interactive booksIt is never too early for parents to begin teaching their children essential life skills at home. These life skills will help them learn autonomy and, eventually, live independently as adults. Interactive books are a fun and engaging educational tool that covers a wide range of functional life skills, including but not […]
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The standard classroom supplies go beyond binders, pens, and notebooks for special needs educators. Having calming sensory items and spaces to decompress can mean the difference between a productive day and a day hampered by triggers and meltdowns. We would like to share what we consider to be some must-have items and considerations for any […]
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The case for STEM in special educationSTEM, which stands for “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” is creating new and exciting opportunities for students with special needs. The main goal of all educators is to ensure their student’s success by teaching them necessary life skills while cultivating their natural talents. Unfortunately, the current perspective on special […]
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and teachers are noticing more inappropriate behaviors, such as acting out disruptively or aggressively among children and teens. Some children with behavioral disorders might seem anxious, withdrawn, or disconnected from everyday reality. In some cases, a child who appears to be oppositional or aggressive may, in fact, be reacting to […]
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Functional math is the equation for better independenceWe use math in our daily lives all the time to do important things like shop for groceries, pay bills, save for a big purchase, measure ingredients to prepare a meal, and get to work on time. Our ability to live as independent adults depends on our understanding […]
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On November 19th, 2021, Diane Gray, Supervisor of Instruction at Alpha School in Jackson, New Jersey, and Amy Brandon, Supervisor of Instruction at Harbor School located in Eatontown, New Jersey, presented at this year’s 43rd annual ASAH Conference. Ms. Gray and Ms. Brandon presented a workshop on incorporating STEM into the special needs classroom. What is […]
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