SPECIAL EDUCATION & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School (BUGS) was founded to provide an equitable opportunity for all learners to access a high quality and engaging education. We are guided by a mission that is committed to inclusion and supporting every BUGS student to reach their potential. We offer these services to support our students to achieve their academic and social emotional growth goals:

  • Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) in all core classes to make sure students master (or exceed) grade level standards 

  • Reading Intervention with Literacy Specialist for qualifying students 

  • Individualized and differentiated instruction for students learning English as a new language (English Language Learners and Multi-Language Learners)

  • Individual and group counseling with BUGS school counselors for students experiencing academic, behavioral or social challenges.

  • Advisory program curriculum designed by the school’s guidance counselors to support students’ social-emotional and academic growth.

  • Individual and group speech and language therapy for eligible students

  • Individual and group occupational therapy for eligible students

The BUGS support services team includes a Director of Inclusion who collaborates with teachers to support students with IEPS and English Language Learners. We also have two full-time on-staff school counselors, an ENL teacher, and a Learning Specialist. The Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist are provided via contract from the DOE for students who have these related services on their Individualized Education Plans.

BUGS ensures all services are coordinated and educators are collaborating closely about individual student’s needs, goals and progress through:

  • Inclusion meetings

  • Weekly Department Meetings

  • Weekly Grade Level Meetings

  • Co-planning meetings for co-teachers

  • Cross-grade Sustainability team meetings 

Family communication and partnership is a hallmark of the BUGS approach. Each child’s advisor works closely with their students’ teachers, and is the first point of communication for families. We also communicate with parents/guardians using an online gradebook, open classroom events, subject conferences, and student-led conferences.

For more information about BUGS student support services, contact Dan Nee, Director of Inclusion, daniel.nee@BUGSbrooklyn.org

What is Speech and Language Therapy and who provides the services?

Speech and Language Therapy is treatment of speech defects and disorders through use of exercises and audio visual aids. Students will be taught skills to help communication problems with articulation; fluency; voice; receptive and expressive language disorders and the best way to treat them.  The Speech Therapist provides services to the students 1-3 time a week. The students may be pulled out of class or the therapist may provide push-in services in the classroom.

What is Occupational Therapy and who provides OT services?

Occupational Therapy helps children with various needs to improve their cognitive, physical, sensory, and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. An Occupational Therapist provides the services for students 1-3 times a week.

What is counseling and who provides the services?

Counseling is assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties. Counseling is provided by the guidance counselors at BUGS.  The guidance counselors also assists with the Advisory program curriculum to support students’ social-emotional and academic growth, and support the high school admissions process.