Student Support
Children’s House
Events
Bay Farm is proud to have a Student Support Team which assists any student when necessary. The team serves as an extension of the Montessori classroom. Team members are dedicated to helping students access the curriculum to the best of their abilities. The team establishes a consistent process for identifying and addressing the needs of individual students and of whole classrooms. Team members work by completing classroom observations and then discussing an approach with faculty and parents that will best meet the needs of the student.
Following these discussions, Student Support Plans (SSPs) are created for students who have been identified as having a learning difference and/or social emotional need. SSPs are Bay Farm’s version of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). SSPs are internal documents which are distributed to parents per their request. Team members work closely with teachers to ensure children with SSPs experience minimal class time disruption while working with support staff.
- Brooke Tocci, MSW, LCSW: School Counselor/Psychologist (TH-MS)
- Kelley Collins: Interim Head of School & Student Support Team Supervisor (TH-MS)
- Julie Hurley: SEL Direct Support Person (TH-CH)
- Kristen Boonisar: Learning Supporter (EL I-EL II)
Services of School Counselor
- Individual student meetings with a focus on SEL skill building (EL I-MS)
- Conflict mediation between peers (EL I-MS)
- Direct SEL support for entire classrooms to teach skills in real-time (EL I-MS)
- Growth mindset lessons for entire classrooms (EL I-MS)
- Parent support and psychoeducation (TH-MS)
- Referrals to outside providers (EL I-MS)
- Care coordination with outside providers (EL I-MS)
Services of SEL Direct Support Person
- Direct SEL support for entire classrooms to teach skills in real-time (TH-CH)
- Referrals to outside providers (TH-CH)
Services of Learning Supporter
- Academic support inside the classroom or in a separate setting within the school building (EL I-EL II)
The Benefit of a Mixed-Age Classroom
Younger children benefit from observing and learning from their older peers, while older children develop leadership skills by teaching their younger peers and reinforcing their own learning. The mixed-age classroom fosters a strong sense of community and respect among Bay Farm students and allows each child to learn and progress at their own pace, regardless of age.
Explore a Bay Farm Education
Inquire online, schedule a tour, or apply today.