Kristen LaValley, Instructor 

located at 500 Chapin Street in Ludlow, MA

547-6301

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Program and Services

Located at Ludlow High School, the Compass High Program is designed for students with moderate to severe autism and related disabilities. The program focuses on encouraging as much independence as appropriate in both the school and community settings. The classroom is well structured with a high staff to student ratio.

Opportunities for inclusion in non-academic and academic areas are available when appropriate. The program is designed to encourage the growth of academic and daily living skills. Students in this program participate in hands-on pre-vocational activities. Program activities also support the development of positive relationships with peers and adults.  

Staff work diligently under the direction of a BCBA using principles of ABA to identify and reduce maladaptive behaviors with replacement behaviors. A variety of functional behavior assessments are utilized in order to inform positive behavior intervention plans. Staff work closely with families and outside providers to aide in the generalization of skills and facilitate student growth.  LPVEC staff work with students and their community to facilitate a smooth transition to adult living.

Admission Procedure

Special Education students are referred by their home district. The referral goes through a comprehensive review to determine appropriate placement. Students can be placed in this program as part of an extended evaluation.

Approval/ Licensing Accreditation

The Compass High Program is a licensed program of the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Special Education at LPVEC

LPVEC programs provide services to students aged 6 to 22 years who demonstrate a wide variety of exceptional learning needs. Key focus areas are Autism, adjustment and behavioral needs, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities.

The Compass High Program services students 11^th grade through 22 years of age.

Mission and Purpose

LPVEC increases the capacity of school districts and supports the success of all students by providing high-quality, shared programs and services in a cost-effective manner.

The primary purpose of LPVEC is to accomplish this mission in the member districts: Agawam, East Longmeadow, Hampden-Wilbraham Regional, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional, and West Springfield.