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Kanawha board unveils START program to support kindergarteners with extreme behaviors
Summary
District staff described START (Supportive Therapeutic Approach for Readiness and Transition), a pilot at Dunbar Primary with two classrooms (up to 12 students each), daily therapy and a 45-day minimum placement aimed at returning pupils to their home school by year-end.
District staff described START — the Supportive Therapeutic Approach for Readiness and Transition — as an early-intervention pilot at Dunbar Primary intended for kindergarteners whose behaviors are severe enough that classroom strategies and standard supports have been insufficient. “STARTS stands for supportive therapeutic approach for readiness and transition,” the presenter said, explaining the model and eligibility criteria.
Program details given to the board: two classrooms of up to 12 students each, two general-education teachers per room plus special-education teachers and aides, on-site therapists (BCBA — board-certified behavior analyst — occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) and a partnership with the Pioneer Network for therapeutic services. The district said referrals will proceed through appropriate meetings (IEP, 504 or SAT), a parent must be supportive of the placement, and the minimum placement timeline is 45 days with a typical nine-week initial window and monthly review meetings to determine readiness to return to the home school.
Staff emphasized the program is not disciplinary placement but an intensive support intended to restore kindergarten students to success in general education. Board members asked about staffing, BCBA recruitment and how START differs from chance programs for older students; presenters said START is more intensive and designed for this younger cohort.
