The Bridge School

Inspiration Behind Bridge School

• Cerebral Palsy was first diagnosed in 1853
• No information or research had been conducted regarding Cerebral Palsy
• In 1978 Pegi Young's son was born with cerebral palsy
• There was no placement for Pegi's son in the public school system

History

• From 1985-1987 the government funded the first of 4 major studies
• Pegi Young and her husband Neil Young collaborated on ideas to raise money to open a school suitable for children with CP
• 1986 first Bridge School Benefit
• 1987 Bridge School opened their doors

Bridge School Mission
The Bridge School is a non-profit organization formulated to serve individuals with severe speech and physical impairments. The school aims to provide an academic setting that enables students to achieve full participation in their communities through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is AAC?
Communication method used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.

Bridge School Services

• Nonpublic Pre-school, Elementary, and Middle School Classroom
• 7 students maximum in classroom
• Academic Team: Teacher, OT, SLP, 3 TA's, School Psychologist, Tech Professional, Rehab Engineer, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Nurse, AAC Technology Professional
• Students receive maximum support

Services Continued

• Transition Program (back into public school system)
• Building Bridges Camp and Training Program (AAC)
• Teacher in Residence Program
• AAC By the Bay Conference held quarterly
• Mentor/Mentee Program

Adminstrative Structure

Administrative Structure

• 9 members of Board of Directors (diverse in gender only)
• ED-Dr. Vicki Casella
• Exec Asst.,Admin. Asst.,Accountant,
• Directors- Education Program, Education and Transition Program,Technology & Outreach,Development,Lawyer
• 14 staff members under B.O.D

Staff Recruitment
Internal/External Hiring:
-Currently looking for Instructional Assistants
-Referrals from within field
-AAC By the Bay(people that attend may know someone)
-Word of Mouth (Volunteers, Interns etc.)

Recruiting Resources

• Own website
• Craigslist
• Webex
• All school district website

Interview Process

• Review of app.,Letter of Interest (invite for initial interview)
• Initial Questions with Dir. of Edu.
• Panel Interview with ED, Dir. of Edu., Classroom Staff (Teacher,SLP,OT)
• Final Interview-meet students and other staff, consideration to be a good fit in collaborating with team

Job Descriptions

• Teacher, SLP, OT qualifed licensure that is required both statewide and nationally
• Physical impairment certificate specialization (only in L.A.)
• Instructional Assistants (Bilingual)
• Must adhere to FERPA regulations

Changes!

• Change locations
• Expand classroom size
• Expand on Director of Education positions
• Transition Support Program
• More Diverse Board Member selection (new)

Untitled Slide