Academy
Academy
Dynamic Integrated Education Plan
The heart and soul that begins to spark an imaginative and creative mind is at the center of everything we believe in at Rockwood Preparatory Academy. However, therapy is crucial to creating a winning strategy for your child. We work diligently to fine tune all therapies so that they align with our student’s specific therapeutic and academic goals.
At Rockwood Prep we work with parents to enhance their child’s ability in the classroom and in life! Research and our own comprehensive experiences, tell us that when we work on behaviors and social-emotional needs of students, we open their minds to unprecedented academic readiness and personal growth.
Our passion is providing an open learning environment, with loving, nurturing, and credentialed staff, so that each student can progress at their own pace. We are vigilant in analyzing IEPs and therapeutic needs so that the right individualized education plan (IEP) can accurately measure progress and be adjusted as needed, while inspiring your child to grow, take new risks, and challenge themselves.
It’s My Turn to Shine® is more than a tag line to us. It is our heartfelt desire that each student feel our ongoing commitment to their success. We want all of our students to know how special they are and that together we can reach their potential!
Communication and Transparency Philosophy
We value advocacy, open communication, and transparency for each student. To that end, we have established a My Turn Standard of Transparency® that we adhere to in our day-to-day care, education, and support therapy services. Parents are frequently made aware of all up-to-date therapy information, educational services, IEP goals, and how their child is doing overall.
Informed parents are the best advocates for their child. We are committed to sharing instructional and behavioral data with parents. That’s why we provide regular My Turn Educational Program Report® to parents and the student success support team. These monthly reports break down the goals and achievements of each student.
Classroom Environment
Our use of strategic Behavioral Support Techs teamed up with each teacher, allows us to employ a 3:1 student-teacher ratio at Rockwood Preparatory Academy. Classrooms are designed to be welcome and open environments, with no more than 10-12 students.
Students with assigned ABA therapists have their own one-to-one help. Those students with severe behavioral challenges are required to have an assigned 1:1 ABA with them at all times. Behavioral Support Techs create an environment that works with all learning abilities. This innovative approach to the classroom helps limit learning disruptions to other students.
Parents describe the environment at Rockwood Prep as a loving, calm, self-paced, fun, and judgement free zone.
Parents who elect to participate in an education program for their child at Rockwood Prep, can expect the following:
- Assessment of your child’s learning style and capabilities
- An individualized road map for success
- Adaptations to the student’s needs throughout the school year
- Ongoing teacher-parent communication
Curriculum Program
Reading
Research tells us that 80% of children with IEP/MET have some form of Dyslexia. Sadly, we see too many SPED students who at 13+ years of age still can’t read. That’s why, we employ an experienced Reading/Dyslexia Specialist who has more than 25 years of positive results. Proper credentialed teaching, an authentic diagnosis and one-on-one help, is paramount to the success of children with learning disabilities.
For additional information about Dyslexia Resources, click here.
Math
In order to help students better grasp the fundamentals of math, we use a wide range of specialized programs in the classroom. Additional resources may be added based on a student’s Dyslexia diagnosis.
Elective Programs Included
Our enthusiastic desire to enrich your child’s life is demonstrated through our innovative My Turn® Adaptive Program. Our elective classes are not only for our Rockwood Rocker students, we are also pleased to offer them to the entire special needs community.
- Recreational Therapeutic Social Skills Group
- Adaptive Karate Class
- Farm to Table Therapy Cooking Program (coming soon)
- Art and Music Program (correlates with academia such as: Dyslexia, and IEP goals)
- Peer Mentoring Program — Inclusive Social Skills and Leadership Program
- Adaptive Swim Program / Inclusive Social Swim Recreation Events (YMCA)
- Life Skills Program (from hygiene to emotional self care)
- Explore our Community Program
- Dyslexia Program
- Adaptive Dance Classes
- Engineering/Robotics
- Team/Leadership Building
Our Standards for Staff
Teachers
Our teachers are highly qualified with years of classroom experience and/or varying levels of degrees, behavioral, and SPED certifications. Teachers only work 6 hour days to help eliminate burn out and to help them take care of their personal and professional life. They are provided ongoing training 2x a month from our Professional Leadership Team including Director of Academics, CEO, and John Maxwell Leadership Principles, as well as Dyslexia and behavioral training by certified and accredited mentors.
Instructional Classroom Aides
Instructional classroom aides are trained in the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis and are presented with formal training 2x a month from our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and our Special Education Director (SPED). Aides are trained in the areas of classroom management, appropriate behavior support and child development/psychology.
All Staff
ALL staff are required to have a background check, Level 1 security clearance, Article 9 training, and CPR First Aid Certificate. ALL staff are required to participate in on-going development and leadership training that they choose depending upon their career goals.
Medical
Many of our students tend to have medical needs throughout the day. That’s why we have a licensed RN on-site at all times. Their job is to administer medications as needed, handle emergency medical situations, as they arise, and coordinate ongoing care with families and doctors. To foster ongoing trust with our students, our medical practitioner takes the time to get to know each child personally.
Transportation
Transportation services are provided depending upon availability and need. Our transportation program services Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Florence. Transportation costs are typically paid through private means.
Academy and Therapy School Day Hours
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Academy Time
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch Time
1:15 – 3:30 PM – Elective Programs
Lunch Available
Due to Covid-19 restrictions and specific student dietary needs please plan to pack and send a daily lunch to school with your child.
