SERVICES
Blossomland Learning Center is a fully operational school for students, ages 3-26, with moderate to severe cognitive impairments!
In fact, Blossomland Learning Center is very similar to other schools in that:
- Students have weekly class schedules that include math, language arts, science, health, social studies, home economics, daily living skills and physical education, which includes the use of an indoor pool.
- Teachers work with students to help them achieve goals that are described in students’ individual education plans.
- Students turn-in assignments, are assessed on their skills, and of course, study.
Therapy & Activities
In addition to academic and functional skills, students have access to various therapies to address individual student needs. Therapy is offered based on the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and can include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Orientation & Mobility
- Sensory Development
- Vision Therapy
Blossomland also incorporates additional activities that support well-being. Students have access to music therapy, a sensory room, an indoor pool, an accessible playground and visits from therapy animals! They also enjoy field trips and monthly assemblies where they are treated to musical performances, plays and athletic demonstrations offered by area groups/clubs.
Positive Behavior Support
Blossomland is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that supports all students.
We do this with a motivational practice called the S.T.A.R.S. program which stands for: Safety, Teamwork, Attitude, Respect and Success.
The S.T.A.R.S. model is Blossomland's guidelines for success and is based on the following key points:
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All students must be treated with dignity.
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Students should be taught the skills and behaviors necessary for success.
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Motivation and responsibility should be encouraged through positive interactions and building relationships with students.
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Student misbehavior represents a teaching opportunity.
Community-based Instruction & Life Skills
Students over the age of 16 participate in community-based instruction (CBI) providing an opportunity to travel to various businesses and agencies throughout the county.
Students may also participate in home economics and health education classes that teach them household and life skills.
These experiences prepare students for life after school, which may include working or volunteering for a neighborhood organization or agency.
Medical Needs
Nursing services are in place to support all medical requirements, whether through the Nurse’s Office or by the classroom staff. Care plans are developed for every student that requires one.
Training is provided by school nurses to all classroom staff and transportation personnel. They monitor this training throughout the course of the year. Trainings include use of VNS magnets, Epi-pens, seizure identification and protocol, and tube-feeding services.
Transportation
Transportation for all Berrien RESA center-based program students is provided by First Student, Inc.
For those students participating in Community-Based Instruction, they will use community busing services for transportation to job sites. They may also be driven by appropriately licensed staff using program passenger vans.
Learning Independence
Staff work with students to help them become as independent as possible. This includes teaching students how to use assistive technology, navigate in different environments, practice hygiene skills, exercise good decision-making skills, and understanding consequences of actions (both positive and negative).
"At Blossomland Learning Center, we help children shine.”Laura ReynoldsSpeech Therapist