Following a rigorous assessment process, Rockland BOCES has received formal reaccreditation by the CABAS® Professional Advisory Board for seven district-based elementary CABAS® classrooms in the Suffern, South Orangetown and Clarkstown school districts.
Originally developed by education experts at Teachers College, Columbia University, the CABAS® (Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling) program is based on the principles and behavior change tactics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). By partnering with Columbia University, Rockland BOCES offers a student centered, data driven and research-based program specific to the needs of each individual learner. The goal is to foster each student’s development across all areas of academic, behavioral, physical and social domains.
“Despite the challenges presented to our students, families and staff during the pandemic, I am pleased to report that we were able to meet each of the quality standards set forth by the CABAS® Professional Advisory Board,” said Rockland BOCES Executive Director of Special Education Julie Larsen. “It is an achievement that is especially notable as the nature and needs of our students continue to evolve during this period. We received our initial accreditation from CABAS in 2016 and since then have benefited from the Professional Advisory Board’s ongoing support, recommendations and confidence in our robust instruction and supports. Affirmation of our accreditation is a measure of progress and success made only possible by the efforts of our Rockland BOCES administrators, faculty and staff.”
CABAS® classrooms at Rockland BOCES have a student-to-teacher-to-teaching assistant ratio of 8:1:2. Children are grouped according to age, as well as academic, social, communication, self-management and behavioral needs. When appropriate, and as per their Individualized Education Plan, CABAS® students are mainstreamed with regular-education students in both academic and non-academic subjects. Thus, strengths and weaknesses in academic, social and self-management skills are taken into consideration when placing students in these settings.
On-site mentoring and supervision is provided daily by CABAS® Board certified behavior analysts and consultants.
The district-based classrooms within Rockland BOCES are currently located in the following schools:
- Montebello Elementary School, Suffern: 1 classroom, Grades K-2
- Link IB World School, New City: 3 classrooms, Grades K-2 and 3-5
- Tappan Zee Elementary School, Piermont: 3 classrooms, Grades K-2 and 3-5
