STEPS

(Speech/Language Therapy to Enhance the Production of Sounds)

Brief Program Description

• Intensive remedial speech program designed for children with severe speech sound disorders/severe articulation
• Currently considered an integrated classroom with no more than 12 identified students
• STEPS is designed as a K-2 Program with specific components at each grade level
• Instructional program follows general education curriculum and integrates targeted sound cycles weekly (based on Barbara Hodson’s Cycling Approach); visual hand signal is paired with sound cycle to increase accurate production of sound/sound
• Pull-out speech/language services provided in addition to classroom speech/language support
• STEPS currently located at School #25 (288-3654)

Grade Level Description

• Kindergarten
  • Co-teaching model with a general education teacher and a dually certified SLP/Special Education Teacher
  • Additional speech/language therapy provided as a pull-out
  • Auditory Bombardment/Learn the Code (14 target sound cycles)

• First Grade
  • Co-teaching model with a general education teacher and a dually certified SLP/Special Education Teacher
  • Additional speech/language therapy provided as a pull-out
  • Internalize/Apply to Listening, Speaking, Reading (17 target sound cycles)

• Second Grade
  • Co-teaching model with a general education teacher and a dually certified SLP/Special Education Teacher
  • Additional speech/language therapy provided as a pull-out
  • Generalize to Speaking, Reading, Writing (17 target sound cycles)

• STEPS has been recognized as a NYSED Validated Effective Practice
• Students can be observed to ensure appropriate referrals- contact Karen Guerand (guerand@rcsdk12.org)
• Parent/staff visitations prior to CSE referrals and meetings are welcomed and encouraged!