By Julie Huss
DERRY — Jen Sliviak's 7-year-old son is soaring.
She attributes her second-grader's progress to a new program at Derry Village Elementary School.
"He loves school," she said. "It's amazing what they have done."
Five students are involved in the program which offers individualized instruction to children with autism and pervasive developmental disorder.
Sliviak cited the strong communication between school and home as part of the program's success. She said staff members have helped her son realize his potential — and they've made sure his parents are involved in the process.
A partnership between Derry and the New England Center for Children sparked the partner classroom approach last fall.
The program is supported by money earmarked for local schools through federal stimulus money, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NECC has worked in special education and individualized treatment for children with autism, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger's Syndrome since 1975.
The partner classroom idea meets the needs of children with PDD, according to Christopher Kellan, Derry's Director of Special Services.
A few years ago, survey results indicated a greater need for in-district services for children with autism or PDD issues.
Kellan told the School Board last week, that the program is a success — for the students and their families.
The five children enrolled in the program are making remarkable progress, he said.
The program puts students in one-on-one situations with NECC staff, and also gives them a chance to be part of more integrated classroom experiences, Kellan said.
Deb Koslouski said her son was educated in an out-of-district setting last year. She is happy to have him back in Derry.
"(It's wonderful) not to worry and not to wonder what's going on," she said. "NECC has been a complete answer to a prayer for us,"
Lessons are individualized for each student, based on specific needs.
Derry is the first district in New Hampshire to use the organization for a partner classroom program. And, after two years, the program could save the district transportation costs associated with sending students out of Derry for special education services, Kellan said.
