SAN DIEGO—Meadowbrook Middle School has opened its new classroom providing specialized lessons on developing social and living skills, and job training for students.
The new space will support Meadowbrook’s Extensive Supports Special Day Class, geared toward accessible and supportive instruction to help students learn and thrive. Classroom features include a full kitchen as part of a learning center, laundry appliances, an occupational therapy and sensory center, and an instructional area.
“The thing that I like about this project is that we were able to move this program to the front of the campus, so it’s core and it’s inclusive to the general education environment, so students are surrounded by their peers,” says Eric Dill, Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services. “It was purpose built for the special education program … This one had life skills in mind, it had other special needs in mind for students. So this will serve special education students for years to come.”
Poway Unified School District provides extensive support instruction through its Special Day Class (SDC) program. This program supports students who require additional learning support in the areas of functional academics, daily living, vocation, and social skills.
Tipton Roberts, Education Specialist at Meadowbrook Middle School, says the class opens the door for students to develop more skills that will support them later in life.
“The things we focus on in the classroom are functional skills. That involves working in the kitchen, working with laundry,” says Roberts. “This facility gives our kids the opportunity to one, learn and work on their IEP goals, but also work on functional skills so they can work at a future job or at home.
“[The classroom is] big … and it gives the kids an opportunity to move around, and have movement.”
Beyond the development of skills in the classroom, Roberts says she’s excited to see how the facility fosters inclusiveness within the Meadowbrook community.
“I think it brings a sense of belonging. To have a space,” says Roberts. “I’m hoping it to be warm and welcoming … and it allows them the space to grow.”
Meadowbrook’s new classroom opens on the heels of the school’s first Extensive Supports Class beginning just last school year, says Principal Angela Pimentel.
“The exciting thing about having an Extensive Supports Class at Meadowbrook is that students who live in our neighborhoods can access their home school and be by their same-age peers,” Pimentel says. “So we’re really excited to have all those students on campus to be able to interact with their friends from their neighborhood.”
The project involved remodeling 2,053 square feet of space across two classrooms and a conference room.