Our Program
The Constellations Program provides a structured and routine-based educational program for students with Autism and other low-incidence disabilities. Our program is aligned to the state-mandated Literacy Alternative Assessment Rubric (LAAR) and LEAP Connect assessments, utilizing a differentiated curriculum matched to student needs and ability levels. Sensory, motor, and structured play times are embedded throughout the day, and students receive their group or individual therapies such as Speech/Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Adaptive Physical Education. We also use Applied Behavioral Analysis throughout the day, and staff members are trained as Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBTs) and supported by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ensure a research-based approach.
Who We Serve
The Constellations Program aims to serve students with the most significant needs. Our program is designed to support students who have been identified as having a Moderate-Profound Disability through BESE Bulletin 1508 and who qualify for a separate school setting. Exceptionalities best served by the program include Intellectual Impairments (Moderate, Severe, Profound), Autism, Developmental Delay, or Multiple Impairments. Students will be classed by their ability and age levels, as well as sensory and behavioral needs.
Constellations is not an appropriate placement for students who qualify for the standard mCLASS or LEAP assessments. This program is also not designed for students with emotional impairments who do not also have communication impairments or cognitive impairments. While the Constellations Program will have therapies such as ABA as part of the school day, this school is not a clinical placement. Students requiring a full day of therapy should continue to pursue a clinical placement rather than the Constellations Program.
Specialized Environment and Location
Because student enrollment fluctuates at home school sites, program staffing, structure can fluctuate too. Constellations provides a high-quality educational space that families can count on, where students have a stable, nurturing, and predictable environment, and where staff can build their expertise and skills as special educators.
Our school site is on the campus of our Pre-K through 2nd grade Montessori program that currently serves 350 students ages 4-8. This gives Constellations students opportunities for inclusion in the school community with similar-age students. Students at Constellations have their own playspace, but regularly access the other 3 playgrounds on campus with Montessori students. While Constellations students have their own activities and events; attending field trips, participating in assemblies, and playing outside with the Montessori students gives Constellations students opportunities to join their regular education peers.
For prospective students:
Students are referred to the Constellations program through their current school. If you are not yet enrolled at school, please enroll at your local neighborhood or preferred school as a first step.
We only accept students who have a Bulletin 1508 compliant evaluation and corresponding IEP (Individualized Education Plan). If your child does not have those in place, please work with your school to establish these so they can initiate the process.
If a student is admitted to the program, a transition plan is put in place involving the family, the sending school, and the Constellations team.
For prospective school partners:
If you have a student you believe is right for Constellations, please start the process by downloading this checklist. Then, contact Carissa Kolakauskas, Director of Student Support at Crescent City Schools at ckolakauskas [at] crescentcityschools.org
Schools will need to fill out an extensive referral packet with supporting documentation. Our team visits each prospective student in their current environment to determine if Constellations is the appropriate placement.
Note: Constellations is not on the NCAP, meaning parents cannot select it directly as a placement for their child. Instead, see above for the process. Students transitioning to the Constellations program retain their enrollment at their sending school.
For prospective staff members:
We invite you to apply now to join our amazing team. Our open positions are below, with links to the application portal.