Valley West School
269 Moore St. Chicopee, MA 413-592-6069
About Valley West School
STAFF
Teaching and educational support staff include teachers with special education certification, regular certification and special subject certification. The clinical staff consists of four master's level clinicians, and five behavioral counselors.
STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS
Students are referred to us with problematic behaviors and social-emotional concerns including but not limited to the following:
- anxiety and depression
- markedly poor/limited social skills
- oppositional/defiant behavior
- tantrums
- inappropriate attention seeking
- impulsivity and hyperactivity
- poor attention
- post-traumatic stress
- low self-esteem
- poor academic motivation and responsibility
- escape/avoidant behavior
CURRICULUM
Curriculum at Valley West School follows the Massachusetts Department of Education’s curriculum framework guides, which describe reasonable expectations for learning in terms of core knowledge in subject areas or disciplines.
Instruction is provided at a pupil’s instructional level with emphasis on disciplinary content and skills in accordance with the learning standards in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
The staff at Valley West is invested in developing a strong rapport as a basis for individual student progress. Primary emphasis is placed on affective issues that impede a student’s ability to be successful. To effectively address the diverse needs of our student population, Valley West School utilizes various levels and types of programming.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Valley West School staff is committed to the development of skills that will enable its students to become successful participants in society. We recognize that the school community must foster a supportive environment which encourages effort, responsibility, individuality, problem-solving and social skills that will enable the individual to continue learning independently long after classroom instruction has ended.
Our approach to developing discipline and appropriate behavior includes a combination of methods including positive reinforcement, time-out procedures, class meetings, individual and group counseling, and therapy. Staff is actively and continuously involved in clearly stating expectations to students, and in providing students with the feedback and assistance necessary to help facilitate positive behavioral change.
CLINICAL SERVICES
Valley West School’s clinical component may be accessed by students and parents. Clinical staff provide diagnostic evaluations, individual and group, mediations for students in conflict, and facilitate working with teen and pre-teen groups on social issues that impact upon their lives. The philosophy of the Clinical Department is to provide the most appropriate level of intervention that will ensure that the clinical needs of the child are being met. In order for our staff to accomplish this, they depend on the input and involvement of the most significant people in the child’s life, the parent or guardian. Family involvement in treatment planning and treatment review helps to establish carry-over and consistency in the care and treatment of the child. Staff members work closely with community providers and clinicians who are involved with students. We strive to provide a positive and nurturing clinical environment which enhances work being done at home and with community therapists.
Valley West School ® 269 MOORE ST, CHICOPEE, MA 01013
