Curriculum

Unique Learning Systems 

Unique Learning System is a one-of-a-kind, standards-based curriculum designed specifically to help students with special learning needs master their state's extended standards. Educators can deliver differentiated, standards-aligned content enhanced by powerful assessments, data tool and evidence-based instructional support. Students from Pre-K through transition have the advantage of consistent, high-quality instruction, a motivating interactive learning environment, engaging symbol support, and a path to independence. ULS has communication built right into each lesson that is differentiated to best meet the learner's needs including: specialized communication boards, symbolized text, and more. At Heartwood, all core subjects including: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Adult Living, Daily Living, Employability, and Self-Determination are taught using the Unique Learning System curriculum. 

MOVE Program (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience)

At Heartwood School, the MOVE Program is integrated into daily instruction to help students build the functional mobility skills needed for greater independence. Through meaningful, everyday activities, students work toward individualized goals in sitting, standing, walking and transitioning.

As a designated MOVE International Model Site since 2010, Heartwood incorporates the MOVE philosophy throughout the school day to help students increase participation, confidence and independence.

Learn more about the Heartwood MOVE Program and how it supports student success.

CORE Vocabulary

CORE Vocabulary is for all individuals who require support to communicate and have a range of language abilities. CORE is a small set of commonly used words that support communication and language learning. 85% of what we say is communicated with only 200 basic words. We call these our "core" words. Core is consistent across place, topic, and cognitive ability. At Heartwood we have established a set of 36 words on our primary board. As of 2024, we are now incorporating CORE+ which includes student driven fringe and core vocabulary. 

Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation is a curriculum geared toward helping students gain skills in consciously regulating their emotions. This in turn leads to increased control and problem-solving abilities. Zones are broken down into four parts: the Green Zone, the Red Zone, the Yellow Zone, and the Blue Zone. A core belief of the Zones of Regulation is that ALL the zones are okay. 

Adult Transition

At Heartwood, Unique Learning Systems Transition band is used in conjunction with the Transition Skills Inventory to guide our adult aged students and prepare for them for life beyond school. The areas focused on include: Self-Determination, Employability, Adult Living, Daily Living, and Social Skills. Lessons are designed to replicate what student's would see in a "real world" situation. Classrooms focus on time, money, cooking, household tasks, social skills, vocational opportunities and more. 

Daily Living and Social Skills

Classrooms dedicate time for instructing students to complete productive tasks like washing tables, sorting and putting dishes away, folding laundry and vacuuming. Instruction may also include learning their name, age, working independently and attending to a task. Classrooms actively teach social greetings, sharing, personal space, turn taking, waiting in line and making good-safe choices throughout the day. 

Comprehensive Literacy For All

Literacy improves lives- and with the right instruction and supports, all students can learn to read and write. Comprehensive literacy is a set of tools and a foundation to help guide literacy instruction for learners with severe and complex learning needs. The core practices of Comprehensive Literacy are broken down into five main areas: Shared reading, shared writing, alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness, independent reading, and independent writing. 

Adaptive Physical Education 

Adaptive Physical Education provides developmentally appropriate physical education at its finest. It involves differentiating instruction, so the physical activity is as appropriate for the person with a disability as it is for a person without a disability. This service includes swim instruction in Heartwood School's heated pool.

Classroom Compliance

Heartwood currently has 15 classrooms that services students ages 3-26 in the following classroom designations as are found in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education Supplemented with IDEA Federal Regulations:

• R 340.1738  Severe cognitive impairment program
• R 340.1739  Programs for students with moderate cognitive impairment
• R 340.1748  Severe multiple impairments program
• R 340.1758  Autism Spectrum Disorder

Placement in specific classrooms are determined each year dependent on age, functioning and IEP determinations. 

Staffing

All Heartwood teachers are all highly qualified and provide outstanding diverse, educational opportunities and experiences for all learners. Each classroom is supported by skilled paraprofessionals who support the daily learning and functioning of each and every student. In addition to classroom staff, Heartwood students benefit from a variety of related service providers as determined on student IEPs.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is the professional use of music and its elements as an intervention in medical, educational and everyday environments with individuals, groups, families or communities who seek to optimize their quality of life and improve their physical, social, communicative, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health and wellbeing. Research, practice, education and clinical training in music therapy are based on professional standards to cultural, social and political contexts" (World Federation of Music Therapy, 2011).

Specific Roles Of Occupational Therapy Staff

Occupational therapy staff evaluate, consult, monitor and/or treat students in the following areas: Educational Training - The goal is to build capacity in the educational setting with ongoing educational training to empower families, teachers, and other school staff to meet the educational needs of all students. 

• Educational Training builds capacity within the educational setting by empowering families, teachers and other school staff to meet the educational needs of all students through ongoing professional learning.
• Sensory Processing Skills include (but may not be limited to): sensory integration, perceptual motor, reflex development/integration, oral motor, self-regulatory and readiness abilities as foundations for sensory processing skills as appropriate to the learning environment.
• Accommodations in the educational setting include assessing and implementing strategies that accommodate learning needs as well as the physical environment, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, lockers, playgrounds and cafeterias.
• Components of movement focus on developing head and trunk control, fine motor and bilateral skills, motor planning and coordination of body parts to support purposeful and skilled movement within the learning environment.
• Assistive technology supports student learning by adapting the educational environment and recommending low tech and high tech equipment that provides educational benefit.
• Self-care skills include feeding, dressing, hygiene, toileting, oral motor, communication and regulatory skills that help students participate in educational activities and achieve their goals.
• Adaptation of equipment includes the design, construction and modification of splints and adaptive equipment for functional use, training in the use of upper extremity prostheses and recommendations for positioning, wheelchairs, hand splints, upper extremity braces, transportation and seating devices.
• Pre-vocational and vocational skills focus on developing manual dexterity, strength, endurance, physical capabilities and the use of adaptive methods and equipment within the educational environment.

Note: The practice of Occupational Therapy does not include identifying underlying medical problems or etiologies, establishing medical diagnoses or prescribing medical treatment.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy supports students in developing the strength, balance, coordination and mobility skills needed to increase independence and participation in school activities. At Heartwood School, physical therapy is integrated into each student's educational program and complements the school's commitment to the MOVE® philosophy as a recognized MOVE International Model Site.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Heartwood School implements Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment where every student can succeed. Our schoolwide expectations are Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Learning, and positive behavior supports are integrated throughout the school day to help students build the skills they need for success.

• Visual reinforcement provides consistent reminders of schoolwide expectations through classroom and hallway displays that promote positive behavior.
• Positive reinforcement encourages students to demonstrate expected behaviors through recognition programs such as Tiger-Way Tickets, which can be redeemed at the Heartwood School Store for prizes and snacks.
• Behavior intervention provides proactive Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports through collaboration with classroom staff to help students develop positive behavioral skills and succeed in the school environment. Learn more about Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports through the Center on PBIS.
• Crisis response ensures trained staff are prepared to respond safely and effectively when students require additional behavioral support.
• Behavior specialist services provide individualized behavior support through collaboration with school staff, families and community providers. Services include behavior assessment, data analysis, evidence-based intervention planning and family support.
• School social work services provide evaluations, consultation, direct services and ongoing support to students and families. Services address social emotional regulation, social and emotional skills, behavior supports, community resource coordination and collaboration between home and school.

School Nurse

At Heartwood School, our school nurses and health clinic play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of our students. We provide specialized healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of students in our center-based education program, including those with physical, developmental and medical challenges. Our clinic ensures the safe administration of medications and tube feedings, monitors chronic health conditions, responds to medical emergencies and collaborates with parents and staff to create individualized health plans. We are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment, helping each student thrive both in and out of the classroom.

School Psychologist

Heartwood School is served by a school psychologist. Our school's psychologist has the necessary training and expertise to assist parents and teachers in their efforts to maximize student outcomes.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy supports students in developing the communication skills needed to participate successfully at school, at home and in the community. Because every student's communication needs are unique, services are individualized and may include a variety of communication methods and evidence-based strategies that promote meaningful interaction across all environments.

• Functional communication focuses on developing the skills students need to communicate effectively across academic, social and everyday settings using the methods that best meet their individual needs.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that supplement or replace spoken language for students who have difficulty communicating through speech alone. (See pictures below.)
• Aided Language Input (ALI) promotes language development by pairing spoken language with graphic symbols or other forms of AAC, allowing communication partners to model vocabulary and communication throughout daily interactions.
• Core vocabulary emphasizes a small set of frequently used words that make up the majority of everyday communication and support meaningful interactions across people, environments and activities.
• Fringe vocabulary expands communication by introducing specific words that provide greater detail and allow students to express more precise ideas, interests and experiences.