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Healdsburg Unified unveils LEAP special day class for TK–1 to expand inclusive supports
Summary
District leaders outlined LEAP (Learning, Empowering, and Achieving Potential), a new TK–1 special day class focused on individualized instruction, social-emotional learning and family collaboration; staff said it will serve about 7–10 students with a 1:3 adult-to-student ratio and embedded therapies.
District directors and the lead education specialist described LEAP, a new special day class for TK–1 designed to provide individualized instruction and coordinated supports so students with mild-to-moderate needs can make academic and social-emotional progress.
The presenter said, "LEAP stands for learning, empowering, and achieving potential," and listed staffing and program elements: a core team (education specialist Emily Hanson, principal Christina Hopkins and the director), two paraprofessionals (Chrissy Fincher and Karen Walton), embedded speech, occupational therapy and counseling, and a TeachTown curriculum already board-approved earlier in the year. Staff described the target class size as "probably 7 to 10 students" with an adult-to-student ratio approaching 1:3 and said instructional goals include measurable progress on IEP goals and increased time in mainstream classrooms.
Board members and staff emphasized family collaboration and the goal of meaningful mainstreaming: students will receive supports in-class while practicing skills to increase participation in general-education settings. The administration said they are working on physical classroom considerations (restrooms embedded in the classroom where feasible), sensory supports, and communication systems ranging from picture icons to high-tech AAC devices.
Next steps: staff will finalize classroom location, confirm paraprofessional hires and materials orders, and monitor progress via IEP goals and family feedback once the class begins next year.
