A Comprehensive Guide to Proximity Learning’s Special Services

Since the enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, significant advancements have been made to ensure that students with disabilities receive the best education possible. As of 2022-2023, the number of students ages 3-21 receiving special education services under IDEA was 7.5 million. While that number continues to grow, special education is facing an increased staffing challenge. In 2023-2024, almost all states and almost half of the school districts reported teacher shortages in their special education departments.

When we lose special education teachers, we also lose the valuable services they provide. Without the proper people leading special education management, students can fall critically behind. School districts that have difficulty finding special education teachers often turn to virtual teaching solutions. 

Proximity Learning offers four special education services to help districts cover every facet of their programs. From finding certified teachers and occupational therapists to providing comprehensive special education evaluations and case management, our services are tailored not only to your district but also to your students.

What are Proximity Learning’s special education services?

Proximity Learning has four different special education services designed to support your school and ensure your students in special education receive the care and attention they need to succeed. Our four services include:

1. Initial and Reevaluations

Proximity Learning can provide your school with a licensed school psychologist to fully evaluate your students and collect the information needed to encourage their success throughout their education. If anyone knows your students best, it’s their teachers and families. That is why our school psychologists will partner with them to ensure students’ evaluations are comprehensive and accurate.

We’re ready to work with your district’s special education requirements. From preparing compliant reports to contributing to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) planning, Proximity Learning school psychologists are beyond qualified to provide social, emotional, and academic support for your students. With their expertise and participation, schools no longer have to worry about long waitlists or compliance risks.

2. Case Management Services

While managing special education can be overwhelming at times, Proximity Learning is here for you. Our certified case managers can help ease the stress by handling all of the required work needed for your programs to run smoothly. As your teachers work to instruct students, our virtual case managers will write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), track progress, and keep in close contact with parents.

Every school is different, which is why our Case Management Services are fully customizable and tailored to your needs. Proximity Learning case managers can facilitate IEP meetings, follow compliance guidelines, and ensure student files are in accordance with state and federal laws. Don’t let staffing shortages hold your school back from supporting your students. Trust our certified case managers to uplift your special education department. 

3. Direct Instruction Services

Where some districts fall behind in finding special education teachers, your school district doesn’t have to, thanks to Proximity Learning’s live, synchronous service. Instead of waiting months to fill that special education vacancy, within weeks, we can have a certified teacher delivering quality education straight to students. With minimal disruption, Proximity teachers can seamlessly integrate into your school and maintain student success.

Additionally, our special education teachers can provide your school with:

• Resource Room Services
• Compensatory Services
• Home-Bound Services
• Progress Monitoring

Proximity Learning special education teachers are dedicated to seeing your students meet their IEP goals and improve their academic performance. Not only is our solution cost-effective, but proven. Reports of better student scores reflect that Proximity teachers are just as effective as in-person teachers. Without the hassle of recruiting new teachers, your school can gain certified instructors who deliver consistent and excellent support. 

4. Related Services

Among our other services, we know that great students need great specialists. Proximity Learning offers licensed Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists to provide virtual therapy sessions that will develop vital skills and promote academic achievement for students. Executed in alignment with students’ IEP goals, our pathologists and therapists will evaluate, diagnose, and treat students to ensure their emotional and social success in school.

Proximity Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Therapists are trained to engage students in meaningful conversations and support their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and functional performance. As each virtual session focuses on fulfilling IEP goals, students are guaranteed to make progress at school and in the real world. Your school needs professionals who care for your students as much as you do, and Proximity Learning can provide that dedication. 

Four services, one goal

There’s no way to quantify the attention and care your students deserve. Schools and students in special education programs need a comprehensive support system that streamlines processes to increase student learning. 

With an expert evaluation by a licensed psychologist, a diligent case manager and a certified teacher will use the updated IEP to boost student success in the classroom. When your students need specialist support, an Occupational or Speech-Language Therapist can come in to strengthen students’ well-being. Together, our services can work as one framework fit to your district’s needs and enhance your special education programs.

With over 15 years of experience, Proximity Learning aims to use its virtual teaching solutions where needed most. Time and time again, special education is reported to be an understaffed and undersupported area. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Your students do not have to stop receiving help because of the loss of an in-person teacher. 

We are customized to help struggling kids meet their milestones. With your trust, we can go beyond these milestones to prepare your students for a successful future. Learn more about how you can keep your district on track.