Inclusion and Learning Support

Welcome Message:

Welcome to the Inclusion and Support Department at Cedars High School, where we believe that every child has the potential to succeed and thrive. As the Head of this department, it is both my privilege and passion to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that every learner is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and dreams. We are committed to understanding the individual needs of each student and tailoring solutions that foster growth, confidence, and independence. Whether through personalized learning plans, specialized resources, or one-on-one support, we strive to create an environment where every child can flourish.

My role is to champion each student’s journey, to believe in them even when they may doubt themselves, and to work closely with our dedicated team of educators, parents, and specialists to ensure no child is left behind. Together, we create a culture of inclusion, empathy, and possibility, where every student knows they belong and can achieve greatness.

Maria Havatian
Head of Inclusion and Support Department

Inclusion and Support Department Overview

At Cedars High School, we believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and our Inclusion and Support Department is dedicated to providing the tailored support and resources needed to help each student thrive. We offer two specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our students:

1. Intervention and Support Program
2. Resource Room Program

Each program is carefully designed to address specific learning needs, ensuring that every student receives the right level of support to achieve their academic, emotional, and social goals.

Our Programs

1. Intervention and Support Program

The Intervention and Support Program is designed for students who face mild to moderate learning difficulties but can thrive in a regular classroom setting with additional support. This program provides targeted interventions to help students bridge gaps, build confidence, and succeed alongside their peers.

Program Components:

• Small Class Sizes: Classes are limited to 14 students, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
• Pullout and Push-In Sessions: Students receive up to 8 hours of pullout sessions and 5 hours of push-in support weekly, tailored to their individual needs.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Our team provides counseling and coping strategies to help students navigate challenges and build resilience.
• Homework Support: Virtual homework assistance is available via Teams from 4:00 to 6:30 pm to keep students on track.
• Exam Support: We offer modifications and accommodations during exams to help students demonstrate their knowledge effectively.

What We Aim to Achieve

Our goal is to empower students with mild to moderate learning difficulties to succeed in a regular classroom setting. Through targeted interventions and personalized support, we aim to:

• Help students bridge academic gaps and build confidence in their abilities.
• Foster emotional resilience and coping strategies to navigate challenges.
• Provide the tools and accommodations needed for students to thrive alongside their peers.
• Prepare students for academic success and independence in higher education and beyond.

By the end of their time in the program, students will feel empowered, capable, and ready to excel in mainstream classrooms with minimal support.

2. Resource Room Program

The Resource Room Program is designed for students who require more intensive, individualized support due to significant learning challenges. These students may not yet be able to fully participate in a regular classroom setting. Our goal is to bridge learning gaps, build foundational skills, and gradually reintegrate students into mainstream classes when they are ready.

Program Development Process:

• Comprehensive academic and psychological assessments.
• Collaborative meetings with parents to set goals and design tailored programs.

Program Components:

• Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs): Customized learning plans to address specific academic needs.
• Psychological & Emotional Support Plans: Counseling and therapy to support emotional well-being.
• Therapeutic Plans: Including psychomotor, speech, art, and music therapy.
• Life Skills Training: Protect Ed program to develop essential life skills.
• Career Guidance: Preparing students for future pathways.
• Enriched Curriculum: For gifted students who need advanced challenges.

What We Aim to Achieve

Our goal is to provide intensive, individualized support to students with significant learning challenges, helping them build foundational skills and work toward reintegration into mainstream classrooms. Through tailored interventions and a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to:

• Address academic gaps and develop core competencies in key subject areas.
• Support emotional and psychological well-being through counseling and therapy.
• Equip students with life skills and career guidance to prepare for future pathways.
• Gradually reintegrate students into mainstream classrooms when they are ready, ensuring a smooth transition.

By the end of their time in the program, students will have gained the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed academically and socially, whether in mainstream education or specialized pathways.