Referral Process

 

 

Sample K-Plus Program Gradual Entry Plan  

**This is an EXAMPLE of what a gradual transition can look like, however, an individual, student-specific schedule will be created for each child entering the K+ Program.** 

 

This is an example of a possible gradual entry plan for a student entering the Kindergarten-Plus District Program.  Gradual entries are for the benefit of the child.  We recognize how important it is for young children to feel comfortable and safe while at school which is why we provide a gradual entry for all our students.  Gradual entry helps children familiarize themselves with the play centers, routines of the day, their peers, their new teacher & educational assistants.  Schedules will vary based on the presenting needs of each student. Please note that a lot of research and time will be taken to craft a plan that will allow your child to be successful at school and provide a rough schedule to families during intake meetings. 

 

Monday, October 16th (Week 1) 

• First visit to the K-Plus classroom at Morley Elementary (room #30)  
• Parent brings student to K-Plus and stays at the school for 1 hour while the student has an opportunity to explore their soon-to-be new surroundings – program teacher and support staff are on-hand to welcome new student and ensure the student transitions successfully into the environment (e.g. show them location of bathroom, where they hang their coat and backpack and explore centers in the K-Plus classroom) 
• Depending on the comfort level of the student, parents can either be present in the classroom for this visit or may choose to take a walk around the block while their child is exploring the room 

 

Tuesday, October 17th 

• First day of gradual entry
• Student attends for approx. 2 hours – program staff will work with your child on getting comfortable in their new space and begin discussing various classroom/school routines and expectations with a short morning meeting at the carpet and time to explore the centers 

 

Monday, October 23rd (Week 2) 

• Provided the first week has been successful (no Level 3 behaviour), increase time at school by 15 minutes to include outside recess with the whole school (students are always supported outside at Morley by K-Plus staff) 

 

Monday, October 30th (Week 3) 

• Provided the second week has been successful (no Level 3 behaviour), increase time at school by 1 ½ hours to a half day schedule 
• Student attends from 9:00-12:00pm – program staff will work with your child on continuing to practice classroom routines as well as learning to identify the Zones of Regulation/Alert Program, following directions first time, identifying their own feelings and learning to play safely, fairly and respectfully 

 

Further Time Increases: 

• The K-Plus Team will continue to increase time based on data collected to show consecutive days free of Level 3 behaviour, length of time a student is able to actively participate (e.g. stay on-task and follow classroom routines, complete classroom activities) and demonstrated safe behaviour in the classroom  

 

Every child is unique, so based on their needs, as well as the data we collect daily, we are able to design an individualized program for our students.  Following the Week 3 schedule listed above, a student generally increases to 1:00pm and then to 2:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

 

On Wednesdays the program runs from 9:00am-12:00pm (all year-round) as our team reviews each students’ case every Wednesday afternoon to ensure all measures are being taken to best support the learning and behavioural goals of each of our students.   Additionally, safety planning, training, FBAs and meetings with families are also held on Wednesday afternoons. 

 

On Fridays, our students return to their home schools accompanied (at least 50% of the time – two EAs are shared between all K+ students) by an EA III from K-Plus, to implement new skills and strategies as they learn them from Monday-Thursday in K-Plus.  Traditionally, home schools will follow the same gradual schedule as the K-Plus Program but that is up to the discretion of the home school administrator and team. 

 

Special Note:  All K+ students will increase to two days a week (Thursdays and Fridays) in their home-schools, immediately following their return from Spring Break (April 4, 2024). 

 

Examples of Level 2 & Level 3 Behaviours 

Level 2: 

• Increased intensity of level one refusal 
• Increased inability to self-regulate
• Refusing to come in after outdoor time
• Running around the classroom
• Throwing items
• Leaving the classroom without asking 

 

Level 3: 

• Hitting peers or adults 
• Kicking peers or adults 
• Throwing items towards peers or adults 
• Climbing on classroom furniture
• Unsafe or threatening behaviour 

 

**Please see sample schedule below