Camelot Center shares the commitment of Camelot Elementary School's Mission Statement to “provide an appropriate, stimulating, and challenging academic program that takes into account the individual differences of our students.”

The mission of the Auditory Oral Program at Camelot Center is to meet the individual needs of deaf and hard of hearing students by developing the academic, communication, and social skills which will enable them to reach their fullest potential. A primary emphasis of our program is the development of appropriate language and oral communication skills. Our objective is to build a strong foundation for future independence and to prepare students to participate as fully as possible in their school and home communities. This mission is accomplished through:

•  Early intervention leading to the development of age appropriate skills with an emphasis on listening, speechreading, and spontaneous oral expression

•  Audiological services which maximize each student's use of residual hearing

•  High quality academic instruction by skilled staff

•  Speech and language services encouraging each student to develop effective oral communication.

•  An active partnership between home and school to optimize student achievement

•  Social work and counseling services to attend to the social-developmental needs of students

•  Opportunities to develop skills for self advocacy and appropriate peer interactions

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND SERVICES

Program Features

Small classes with reduced teacher/pupil ratios

Trained teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students and instructional assistants in every classroom

Continuum of services for students includes self contained settings, team teaching with general education staff, and integration of students in general education classrooms as indicated in IEP

Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for students up to age three and

Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for students after age 3

Ongoing monitoring and assessment of student progress and reevaluation of student placement a minimum of every three years

Technology including closed captioning and computer literacy for all students

Specialized educational equipment and materials

Preschool Program

Parent-infant services to meet the individual needs of families and students ages 0-2

A language enriched classroom environment and instructional program for children ages 2-5

Individualized, objective-oriented instruction based on developmentally appropriate activities and paced to each child's level of functioning

Intensive auditory training to develop effective listening skills supported by educational audiologists

Developmentally appropriate speech and language skills supported by speech/language clinicians

Home visits provided to support and maintain consistent expectations between school and home

A “whole child” curriculum following the Fairfax County Public Schools' Preschool Program of Studies

Computer technology using developmentally appropriate software to facilitate the development of language, cognition and speech

Instructional Program Kindergarten through Sixth Grade

Academic studies follow the Fairfax County Public Schools' Program of Studies with adaptations as appropriate

Self-contained classes with classrooms located with appropriate general education grade levels to facilitate integration and collaboration

A daily schedule of instruction and activities which parallels the general education schedule

Focus on literacy, math, listening, and writing skills

Computer technology integrated throughout the curriculum utilizing software, on-line services, and controlled access to the internet

Emphasis on development of appropriate social skills and group interaction

Participation in annual Optimist Club Communication Contest

A variety of extracurricular activities including school clubs, student government, school chorus, band and orchestra, and school plays and performances

On-going assessment of skills and academic progress

Audiological Services

Daily monitoring of personal and classroom amplification needs

Daily individual and small group auditory training sessions

Monitoring of chronic ear pathology

Electroacoustical analyses of hearing aids and auditory trainers and REAL Ear measurements

Interpreting of audiological information for the staff and parents

Training students in the use of assistive listening devices and telephone

Support for students with cochlear implants through rehabilitation therapy and collaboration with cochlear implant centers

Provision of technology and equipment to enable students to benefit fully from the instructional program

Speech and Language Services

Speech and language therapy provided through a continuum of services that includes:

Integrated class/curriculum-based assessment and intervention

Direct intervention

Collaborative consulting with staff, parents and private service providers

Use of technology to develop speech and language

Occupational and physical therapy services provided as indicated by the IEP/IFSP to meet educational needs

Social Work Services

Individual and group counseling with students and parents by a skilled social worker trained to work with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

Information about and referral to community agencies

Consultation with staff and assistance in assessment and eligibility determinations

Parental and Community Involvement

Parental involvement is an integral part of Camelot Center 's program

Camelot Hearing Association (CHA) - a support group providing regular parent meetings and social opportunities for families

Parent volunteers in Center and general education classes

Parent education programs and social events which include former students and members of the deaf and hard of hearing community

Linkages with local and national community agencies and organizations