At Ignite Learning Academy we've designed our online learning platform to support students who have previously participated in special education services. Unlike public schools that use IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), as a private school, Ignite Learning Academy creates Individualized Academic Plans (IAPs) that address each student's unique learning needs. Our approach focuses on providing the accommodations and modifications students need to succeed in an online learning environment.
Special Education Support
We are proud that Ignite Learning Academy offers special education support such as:
Flexibility and Personalization
Our online learning accommodations provide students with:
- The ability to work at their own pace, ensuring mastery of concepts before moving forward
- Customized scheduling that allows for breaks when needed
- Reduced sensory distractions that often impede learning in traditional classrooms
- Options to "chunk" curriculum into manageable pieces
- Extended time for assignment completion
Expert Support from Certified Special Education Teachers
Students benefit from:
- Certified teachers with expertise in special education
- Small group and one-on-one intervention sessions
- Targeted support in reading, writing, and math
- Frequency of support determined by individual student needs
- Regular progress monitoring to ensure academic growth
Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Our virtual school accommodations create a space where students can:
- Learn free from social pressures that may cause anxiety
- Build confidence through appropriate academic challenges
- Develop self-advocacy skills
- Experience success through properly scaffolded instruction
- Participate in a positive community of peers
Our Special Education Services and Programs
Ignite Learning Academy offers multiple tiers of support for students with learning differences, ensuring that every child receives the specific assistance they need to succeed.
Resource-Level Support
For students who need accommodations and modifications while working near grade level:
- Self-paced courses with appropriate modifications
- Regular one-on-one support from certified special education teachers
- Reduced course loads when appropriate
- Extended time for assignment completion
- Targeted intervention in specific academic areas
FIRE Academy for Students with Significant Needs
For students who require more comprehensive support, our FIRE Academy offers:
Level One FIRE Program
- Designed for students with significant developmental delays
- Daily small-group live classes with similarly-aged peers
- Structured schedule with predictable routines
- All instruction provided live (no independent navigation required)
- Physical materials including manipulatives and workbooks
- Curriculum specifically designed for students with developmental disabilities
Level Two FIRE Program
- For students working closer to grade level who benefit from additional support
- Integration with general education peers for academic instruction
- Additional support from FIRE or special education resource teachers
- Weekly live classes focused on life and social skills
- Transition planning for high school students
How Our Online Special Education Model Works
The 1+1+1 Support System
At Ignite Learning Academy, we follow a unique model summarized as "1+1+1 = ignited." This equation represents:
- The student
- The certified teacher
- The parent or designated coach supporting at home
When these three components work together, students with learning differences experience unprecedented success in their educational journey.
Individualized Academic Plans: Creating Personalized Support
Our approach to supporting students with special needs involves:
Comprehensive Assessment
- Review of previous educational records
- Consultation with parents about student needs
- Evaluation of learning styles and preferences
- Identification of specific accommodations needed
Plan Development
- Creation of tailored learning goals
- Selection of appropriate course placement
- Determination of necessary modifications
- Establishment of support service frequency
Implementation and Monitoring
- Regular progress monitoring
- Ongoing communication between teachers and families
- Adjustment of supports as needed
- Celebration of achievements and milestones
Academic Support Services for Students with Learning Differences
Our comprehensive special education virtual school offerings include various types of academic support:
Reading Intervention
- Targeted instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding
- Fluency development through appropriate strategies
- Comprehension enhancement techniques
- Vocabulary building activities
Writing Support
- Scaffolded writing instruction
- Use of graphic organizers and planning tools
- Grammar and mechanics guidance
- Assistive technology recommendations when appropriate
Math Intervention
- Concept building through concrete, representational, and abstract approaches
- Foundational skill development
- Strategic problem-solving techniques
- Real-world application of mathematical concepts
Executive Functioning Support
- Organization strategies
- Time management techniques
- Study skills development
- Self-regulation approaches
Beyond Academics: Developing the Whole Child
At Ignite Learning Academy, we recognize that education extends beyond academic content. Our special needs distance learning program addresses the development of essential life skills:
Social Skills Development
- Weekly homeroom meetings and assemblies
- Virtual clubs based on student interests
- Structured opportunities for peer interaction
- Social communication instruction in small groups
Life Skills Curriculum
For students who benefit from this focus, we offer instruction in:
- Personal care and independence
- Organizational strategies
- Time management
- Decision making
- Self-advocacy
Transition Services for High School Students
Our program prepares students for life after high school through:
- Career exploration
- Resume writing instruction
- Interview preparation
- College planning when appropriate
- Development of self-determination skills
Technology and Tools to Support Learning
Our digital learning modifications leverage technology to enhance the educational experience:
Accessible Platform Features
- Text-to-speech capability
- Adjustable font sizes and contrasts
- Keyboard navigation options
- Compatibility with assistive technology
Engaging Multimedia Resources
- Interactive activities
- Educational videos
- Digital manipulatives
- Gamified learning experiences
Communication Tools
- Video conferencing for live instruction
- Messaging systems for questions and support
- Screen sharing capabilities for direct instruction
- Recording options for revisiting lessons
The Parent's Role in Online Special Education
Parents or designated learning coaches play a vital role in the success of students with learning differences in our online program. We provide:
Parent Training and Support
- Orientation to the online learning environment
- Strategies for supporting students with specific needs
- Regular communication with teachers
- Access to resources and materials
Balanced Involvement
- Clear guidelines for appropriate assistance
- Strategies for fostering independence
- Regular check-in opportunities with teachers
- Collaborative problem-solving approaches
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Special Education
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How does Ignite Learning Academy support students who previously had IEPs?
While we don't provide IEPs as a private school, we create Individualized Academic Plans that address each student's unique learning needs. Students are enrolled in self-paced courses with support from both parents/coaches at home and certified teachers. We can reduce the class load to meet students' needs and provide an environment with fewer distractions, flexible pacing, and extended time for completing work.
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Will my child receive one-on-one support?
Yes, students working below grade level meet live with their assigned special education teacher to receive targeted intervention and support in reading, writing, and math. The frequency of these meetings is determined by student need, and all support is provided in small group or one-on-one settings.
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How do you accommodate different learning styles?
Our program offers flexibility in how students engage with content. Visual learners benefit from our multimedia presentations, auditory learners can participate in live discussions, and kinesthetic learners can engage with hands-on activities that supplement online learning. The flexibility of our platform allows for customization based on individual learning preferences.
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What if my child needs more comprehensive support?
For students who require more intensive intervention, our FIRE Academy offers specialized programming specifically designed for students with significant developmental delays. This program provides daily live instruction in small groups, focusing on academic, life, and social skills development.
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How do you measure student progress?
We continuously assess student progress through ongoing formative assessments, teacher observations, and regular evaluations. This allows us to make real-time adjustments to instruction and support as needed, ensuring that students are making appropriate gains.
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Will my child miss the social aspects of a traditional school?
We believe socialization is an important part of childhood development. Our program offers various opportunities for socialization through online clubs, virtual field trips, weekly homeroom meetings, and assemblies where students can interact with peers in a controlled, supervised environment.
Success Stories: Thriving with Online Learning Support
While every student's journey is unique, many students with learning differences find that our online learning environment allows them to flourish academically and socially. Common benefits reported by families include:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Increased academic confidence
- Greater engagement with learning
- Development of self-advocacy skills
- Improved executive functioning
- Enhanced social connections in a supportive environment
Getting Started with Ignite Learning Academy
If you're considering virtual special education for your child, here's how to begin:
- Attend a Virtual Open House: Participate in one of our Virtual Open Houses to learn more about our approach for children with special learning needs. Our live open houses include general school information and breakout sessions specifically about our special education services.
- Consultation: Speak with our academic advisors to discuss your child's specific needs and determine if our program is the right fit.
- Application: Complete our simple application process.
- Academic Planning: Work with our team to develop an Individualized Academic Plan tailored to your child's unique needs.
- Orientation: Participate in orientation activities to familiarize yourself and your child with our online learning platform and procedures.
Tuition and Funding Options
Ignite Learning Academy offers various tuition options for students with learning differences. Please see our tuition and fees page for current pricing.
In some states, scholarship programs are available that may help cover the cost of tuition. For example, Arizona families may qualify for Empowerment Scholarships (ESA) and Arizona Tax Credits (STO) to cover or offset tuition costs. Payment plans are also available.
Why Families Choose Ignite Learning Academy for Special Education
Families select our virtual special education services for many compelling reasons:
- Personalized Approach: Each student receives an education tailored to their specific learning needs and preferences.
- Expert Teachers: Our certified special education teachers have the expertise to support diverse learning differences.
- Flexible Environment: Students can learn in settings that minimize distractions and maximize focus.
- Comprehensive Support: Our multi-tiered support system ensures that every student receives the appropriate level of assistance.
- Safe Community: Students learn in an environment free from bullying and negative social pressures.
- Family Involvement: Parents are true partners in their child's education, with clear guidance on how to provide appropriate support.
Transforming Special Education Through Virtual Learning
At Ignite Learning Academy, we believe that every student deserves an education that recognizes their unique strengths and challenges. Our online special education services provide the flexibility, support, and personalization that students with learning differences need to thrive academically and develop crucial life skills.
By combining certified teachers, engaging curriculum, appropriate accommodations, and supportive technology, we create a learning environment where students who previously struggled in traditional settings can experience true success.
For more information about online private education options, we invite you to contact Ignite Learning Academy.
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