Lodi, CA
The expanded focus of North Valley School Lodi is to provide an individualized program for each student; an education that promotes independence, understanding, and personal responsibility for each child. Through the intake process, including observation, assessment and prescription, specific academic, vocational and behavioral goals are established for each student. The specific academic needs of each student are addressed through individualized and reality based instruction. Designated instructional services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavior intervention plan development and implementation, temporary support aide and day treatment intensive mental health services. Additionally, NVS Lodi offers vocational training, independent living skills training, and employment experience through Viking Services Program. Students may also participate in the school's WorkAbility I Program, providing paid work experience opportunities within the community. Extra-curricular activities include sports teams, social activities and recognition opportunities.
Additionally, NVS offers vocational training, independent living skills training, and employment opportunities through Viking Services Company and NVS Landscaping Maintenance Services. Extra-curricular activities include sports teams, social activities and recognition opportunities.
North Valley School Lodi offers a wide variety of mainstreaming opportunities for students of all grade levels and ages. In 2008-2009, North Valley School successfully mainstreamed 15% of its total school population to public school campuses in four different school districts. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in a range of community service organizations and volunteer opportunities including Lion's Club functions, convalescent hospitals, animal shelters, the Blind Center, Women's Center, and various community support programs.
In 2009, North Valley School welcomed the addition of Therapy Dogs to its campus. Students have welcomed the addition of therapy dogs and their presence has resulted in an increase in academic performance, improved reading, and improved social skills acquisition. Also in 2009, North Valley School introduced additional instructional programs and began serving students with Asperger's and Autism spectrum disorders.
A family inclusion group was established in 2008, consisting of various school, residential, community and family members. This group meets monthly to discuss, plan, and develop activities to connect school with the larger community. Activities and events are planned on a monthly basis and appear on an annual published activities calendar which is distributed to all family members, contracting school districts, mental health agencies, and other service providers. Several informational meetings are held each year to which parents, teachers, school districts, and other service providers are invited. Each meeting is aimed at improving communication between groups and to provide resource information relating to community services and resources. Recent meetings have included a guest speaker from a local mental health service provider and county mental health representatives who provided parents and school district representatives with an overview of the services available in their area and the means by which to access those services.
