Parents/Guardians
Introduction
Welcome to the Apex Regional Program. We are here to serve the needs of students with special education needs who present a variety of challenges for districts, teachers, and parents across settings. Please contact us via email (sbeechamk@glenwoodschools.org) or by phone (712-527-3034 x4418) with any questions or download the program brochure for additional information.
Program Benefits
There are many benefits to having your child attend the Apex program.
- Your child will receive social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support services from caring and well-trained teachers and staff
- With a program located in southwest Iowa, your child will spend less time in traveling between home and school each day
- Our academic curriculum is aligned with Iowa CORE
- You have more convenient access to your child's teacher, increasing opportunity for
- Involvement in your child's program
- Consistency of behavioral and academic expectations between home and school
- When your child is ready to return to her or his school, transition plans are more likely to be successful due to:
- Increased communication among parents, teachers, and school administrators about transition design and implementation
- Increased support from our staff with effective transition strategies
Online Resources for Parents
Dialogic Reading: An Effective Way to Read to Preschoolers
TechMatrix - Assistive and educational technology tools and resources to support learning for students with disabilities and their classmates.
Online Activities & Websites
Educational games and activities for your child.
FunBrain
Knowledge Adventure
LeapFrog
Starfall
PBS Kids
Forms
School Supplies List K-5
School Supplies List 6-12
Enrollment Form
Authorization to Pick Up
Medication Authorization
Immunization
Diet Modification
Iowa Eligibility Application for Free and Reduced Lunch - Apply online at EZMealapp.com
Iowa Eligibility Application Instructions
Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Age 4-10, Age 11-17
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will you kick my child out if he/she has problems?
No. We fully anticipate children referred to our program will display behavioral problems, and we have highly trained and experienced staff available to deal with these situations. Our goal is to help your child learn how to handle his or her emotions in an acceptable, pro-social manner. To this end, we will help students develop coping skills to utilize when they are angry or frustrated, as well as social skills to help them better interact and communicate with peers and adults in their environment.
- My child is way behind, how can you work with him?
We work with each student on an individual basis, using their IEP as a guide for developing both academic and behavioral treatment plans. Students will work at a pace that is best for their individual growth and development. Our low staff-student ratio ensures one on one interaction and assistance when necessary.
- My child can't read yet, how can he learn?
We work closely with parents/guardians and referring school district to prioritize the goals of each students. If reading is a barrier to other learning, then that will be the priority for your child. Low staff-student ratios will allow your child to receive the attention and guidance needed to develop academic skills for future growth and learning.
- My child can’t pay attention. How can you teach him?
Each student will have an individualized treatment plan to address their target areas. If inability to pay attention is a concern, the treatment plan will address this area for your child. Functional assessments will be completed to determine the most effective strategy to help your child learn.
- How many staff will be working with my child?
Staff to student ratio is typically 4-1. However, if necessary we will provide a one on one ratio for students.
- How do you deal with aggressive students?
Some of the students who attend the Apex Program will likely display aggressive behavior. Our staff is highly trained and experienced in dealing with these scenarios. In the event a student becomes a threat to self or others, non-violent crisis intervention will be utilized by staff members to remove the child to a safe room and ensure the safety of all concerned.
- I think my child needs medication? Can you help with this?
Yes. Apex staff members will refer you to the appropriate medical professional who can complete assessments to determine the need for medication.
- Does the Apex Regional Program provide counseling?
Yes. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor is available to complete mental health assessments, and provide group, individual and family therapy services as indicated.
- Do the students get to do things like in a regular school?
Yes! The schedule includes art, music, PE, recess, and free time. In addition, student class room parties are planned for special occasions.
- Can we come visit?
Yes! At Apex we believe family involvement is a crucial factor in the success of our program. We encourage parents and family members to visit our program at any time.
- How do you discipline children?
We use a disciplinary hierarchy which allows students the opportunity to take “chill time” and use their coping strategies to calm down. Students are given time to make good decisions and return to the classroom with no consequences. However, if students are unable to take advantage of chill time, a time out will be initiated. Time outs will take place outside of the classroom area in an effort to minimize the disruption to other students. At no time is a child left alone in a seclusionary time out.
- My child has some physical ailments, is there a nurse available?
A GCSD nurse in on site and available to attend to any emergency or non-emergency medical situations.
- Can you give medication to my child?
Yes. Our staff are trained and properly certified by the state of Iowa to administer medication.
Email us with any other questions that you have!
Ray Burke - burker@glenwoodschools.org
Kelly Beecham - sbeechamk@glenwoodschools.org