Listing Type :
MANSEF Schools
Location :
Maryland / Baltimore City
County : Baltimore City
Phone : 443-923-9100
Fax : 443-923-4525
Website : Visit School Website >>
Referral Contact : Brooke Shivers
Disabilities Served : 01 - Intellectual Disability, 06 - Emotional Disability, 08 - Other Health Impairments, 09 - Specific Learning Disabilities, 10 - Multiple Disabilities, 13 - Traumatic Brain Injury, 14 - Autism
Length of School/Program Year : 11 month
MSDE Approval Category : Type I Special Education
Capacity of Facility : 170
Ages Served : 5-14
Grade Range : K through 8
Private Pay Students Accepted : No
Setting : Day
Before and/or After School Program : No
Nurse on-site (full or part time) : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Hours of Operation for School Day : 7:55 a.m. - 2:25 p.m. (M, T, Th, F), 7:55 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. (W)
Program Description : The Kennedy Krieger School provides comprehensive educational and behavioral services to kindergarten through eighth grade students and is designed to provide effective preparation for students who, in the future, will be seeking either a diploma or a certificate at the high school level. The program is designed to meet the needs of a varied population of students. A best practice, evidence-based, approach is used to implement curriculum, which focuses upon essential skills and aligns with Common Core State Standards and guided by the Maryland College and Career Ready standards. Students are provided instruction in the areas of: Language Arts; Mathematics; Social Studies; STEM; Health; Social Skills; Music; Art and Physical Education. Students utilize an abundance of technology resources available within each classroom. These technologies include: interactive white boards; iPads and desktop computers. These proven and highly motivating devices serve to enhance learning, increase student participation, develop problem solving skills and prepare students for a society which is increasingly dependent upon the effective use of technology. Our program provides integrated related services that work together in a team-based collaborative approach. Staff use differentiation, accommodations, modifications, and a multi-sensory approach to implement the curriculum and to target individualized education plan (IEP) goals and objectives The school utilizes both individualized behavior programming and a school wide behavior management approach based in Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), as well as Professional Crisis Management (PCM). Sensory strategies are integrated throughout the school environment and are individualized to meet students’ needs. The school is organized into Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Each community is designed to meet the unique needs of a variety of learners. This model fosters a student-centered environment where shared decision making is used to examine our practices and improve our effectiveness. Below is a description of our three communities: Highly Structured Teaching This PLC focuses on structured, individualized skill acquisition through Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) and other errorless learning methodologies for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Teachers break down skills into manageable steps, using systematic prompting and reinforcement. While instruction is primarily individualized, whole-group, small-group, and pre-vocational activities promote skill generalization and engagement with grade-level standards and opportunities for social skill development. Opportunities for life-skills instruction, supported play and recreation activities are built into the schedules. Behavioral support includes visual schedules, token systems, and environmental modifications for predictability, with staff trained in de-escalation. Related services integrate coping strategies, sensory support, and communication supports. The goal: maintain fidelity in Highly Structured Teaching methodologies including Discrete Trial Training, promote student independence, functional communication and strengthen team collaboration. Elementary Classrooms (K-5) Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and structured teaching, this PLC creates inclusive environments blending small-group, one-on-one, and whole-class instruction. Academic programming utilizes varied methodologies including literacy and numeracy through phonics, site word instruction, guided reading, and explicit math strategies, supported by multi-sensory techniques and scaffolded instruction. Technology is integrated where appropriate. Social, readiness, and play skills are taught explicitly and reinforced through structured and natural interactions. Behavioral supports focus on proactive strategies like visual schedules, choice-making, and movement breaks. Related services are designed to primarily address emotional regulation, handwriting, sensory needs, and communication development, while also providing support in additional areas when appropriate. The goal: build strong academic foundations and social-emotional skills for lifelong success. Middle School Classrooms (6-8) This PLC prepares students for high school through UDL-based instruction and structured teaching that emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and executive functioning. Academic programming encompasses literacy and math strategies, with technology integration and enrichment applied as appropriate. Academic instruction may take place in whole groups or small groups. Students learn adaptability and self-advocacy in preparation for managing the expectations of multiple teachers. Prevocational skills are embedded through classroom jobs and community experiences, while social skills are integrated into academic and real-world tasks. Behavioral support includes proactive strategies such as visual supports, movement breaks, and reinforcement systems, with access to choices. Related services are designed to primarily address decision-making, sensory regulation, emotion identification, coping strategies, and pragmatic communication as core areas of support. The goal: foster independence, resilience, flexibility, and readiness for academic and vocational success.
Related Services : Speech/language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Mental Health and Expressive Arts Therapies, Reading Teacher, Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, Behavior Specialists
