Statement of Intent 

At each stage of the learning continuum–through the Preschool and Early Learning Stage, Elementary through the Middle and Secondary Division of Hershey Christian Academy; the content and curriculum is aimed at exceeding public school expectations and academic standards. At HCA, we welcome the opportunity to modify content at each grade level to offer individualized learning through the use of incoming IEP’s, 504’s, or Individualized Education Support Plans (IESP). While the school is growing, HCA is prayerful about any incoming support that would allow God’s gospel message to influence the proper education of students with each and any learning exceptionality-as a matter of prayerful eventuality. Teaching and classroom environment, expectations for learning, and approach to disciplinary and restorative practices are tailored to each division of the learning continuum (Early learning, Elementary/Middle, and Secondary settings).

Description of Services

Hershey Christian Academy does have a special education program, which is staffed by a licensed special education with a Master’s of Arts in Teaching: Special Education PreK-12. HCA is able to offer inclusion and pull out opportunities to accommodate placements determined by the IEP/IESP for a small group setting. This is defined using a schedule that follows a five day cycle. The Exceptional Learning Resource Room provides support in accordance with the goals as written in each student’s IEP/IESP. As a condition of the current school staffing climate, HCA has one day per week availability for on site counseling. Therefore, students with significant emotional or behavioral needs may require further Team consultation to either provide wrap-around services via a Student Success Team or to defer enrollment.

Applying for Admission

Given that HCA upholds a rigorous academic program throughout the school year, it is imperative that the student’s best interest and opportunity for success is at the core of each administrative decision. This means that students are accepted if the admissions team determines the potential to succeed given the current footprint of a developing specialized education program. Consideration is given to devoted prayer to be able to minister to the needs of all learners that God brings to Hershey Christian Academy, as an eventuality. 
All families apply for admission via HCA’s online application. In order to be considered, all incoming students with exceptional learning needs will be tested by the special education teacher or admissions team and given the opportunity to learn amongst their potential peers. On the application, parents may feel welcome to indicate whether students currently or have received special education services, an IEP/IESP/504, educational or psychological evaluation and/or counseling services. We realize the heart of each parent who wishes their child could enter into Christian education with appropriate services, and are praying that one day God will open this door. Hershey Christian Academy is able to develop individualized accommodation plans, comparable to a 504, as well as an Individualized Education Support Plan that mirrors an Individualized Education Plan in other school settings. Teachers are provided with summary sheets that allow for quick reference.

Required Documentation:

Additional documentation may be required to complete the application; as follows:
Psychological testing
Academic testing
Speech and language testing

If your student has participated in any additional evaluations, Neurological, Occupational, Physical/Visual, HCA may request those evaluations as well. 

Those students who receive counseling or psychological services will need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional describing the student’s background, history, treatment, any school related needs, and medication that may relate to behavioral or emotional protocol. A signed waiver to release form will be used to contract services between Hershey Christian Academy and the physician.

Please note the ELC (Exceptional Learning Resource Center) coordinates entrance testing and reports to the principal, Mrs. Kern, for initial evaluation reports for those students seeking support in the Student Services Department. 

Services for Students Entering ELC with IEP/504/IESP:

Student services coordinates special education assistance with the IU-13 / Instructional Unit to coordinate further testing and remediation of services. Important to note, for prospective students coming with a previous  IEP, IESP, 504 plan: Hershey Christian Academy does not automatically implement the plan without consideration of how this would fit the school program at the time of enrollment. HCA seeks to create the best fit plan possible, as this honors the LORD in all that we do

Early Learning and Elementary (Pre-K-5)

 Current Preschool through 5th grade students without identified special education needs, but who are also experiencing social/emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges are first assisted by the classroom teacher for a minimum of six weeks. During this time, teachers work with families to identify adaptive learning strategies. If, after that time period, students continue to struggle, teachers may refer them to the ELC. As a result of this referral, students may then receive a range of services. This may include first in-class support, teacher-facilitated support, then individual or small group assistance outside of the classroom, and subsequent teacher to ELC-provided support and intervention that may include further evaluation. Behavior, not only academic, goals are addressed via A-B-C data collection that allows for a deeper understanding of the context for student learning and actions across all learning environments. The goal is to reach the heart of the student as he or she grows through each grade level, while also teaching and training new, replacement or adaptive skills that not only benefit the student, but the classroom culture as a whole.

Middle School – Secondary (6-12) 

Current middle through secondary school students who are experiencing social/emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges may be referred to the ELC in one of two pathways. The first is through teacher referral by a routine monitoring of student’s grade progress, which occurs at the end of each quarter, and the ELC teacher will request teacher reports for students who are failing three or more classes. The second pathway is through parent and family referral. For those students who are also experiencing social/emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges are first assisted by the classroom teacher for a minimum of six weeks, on average and unless higher level concerns arise.  During this time, teachers work with families to identify adaptive learning strategies. If, after that time period, students continue to struggle, teachers may refer them to student services. As a result of this referral, students may then receive a range of services. This may include first in-class support, teacher-facilitated support, then individual or small group assistance outside of the classroom, and subsequent teacher to ELC-provided support and intervention that may include further evaluation. 

Questions regarding this process with your student with an IEP, IESP, or 504 should be directed to Mrs. Melissa Hurd, Special Education Teacher, and Principal, Cindy Kern, by email or by phone at (717) 312-7595.