CASE Collaborative

The CASE Primary Language & Learning Program (part of the CASE continuum of classes for developmentally delayed children) is located at the Shaker Lane Elementary School in Littleton, MA. This program services children aged 5 to 8 who have cognitive potential within typical limits for their age, but whose acquisition of language, pre-academic skills, social skills, and academics has been slowed by two or more of the following:

(1) Attention Deficit Disorder
(2) Language-based learning disability
(3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder
(4) Neurologically-based learning dysfunction

The program serves a variety of student profiles and disabilities, including but not limited to students with a suspected diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder. Children in this program can be expected to be able to acquire academic skills at a pace that is typical for their age (a year’s growth in a year’s time), given appropriate instruction and classroom setting. The class has a staffing pattern consisting of a teacher with Moderate Special Needs certification, one or more teaching assistants, a complement of therapy services (primarily speech/language and occupational/sensory integrative therapies), and a social skills group counselor. Curricular areas for the Primary Language Program include: language arts, math, writing, science, and social studies. Additional skill areas addressed include: language, motor, social-emotional/behavior, self-care, and cognition, when such are referenced in a student’s IEP

The program is located in a kindergarten through grade two elementary school, where opportunities for participation in “mainstream” (i.e., regular education) classes are ample. With supportive staffing as needed, the children are expected to be able to manage integrated program activities for as much as 25% to 40% of their school week, with some students participating at a level of 50% integration or more. A social skills program directed by a consulting counselor provides an important additional component of this program.

Children are referred to the Primary Language & Learning Program by their local school system or special education office. Enrollment requires parent/sending district/CASE Collaborative agreement that a student’s needs can be met in the program and that space in the program is available.  Some children leave CASE when they graduate from this program, to continue their education in their home school system, with support in identified areas of need.  Others may transition to the CASE program at Carlisle Elementary School.

Additional information about the CASE Primary Language & Learning Program may be obtained from the special education office of CASE member school districts, or from the CASE Collaborative office.

Please direct inquiries and referrals to:

Rory Liebmann, Assistant Director
978-318-1535
rliebmann@colonial.net