Emotional Disturbance
The Mahoning County Educational Service Center (MCESC) offers special education classes for students identified through IDEA as Emotionally Disturbed (ED). Classes are designed to support the needs of students who experience significant emotional and behavioral challenges which impact on their educational performance.
In order to be eligible, a student must exhibit a history of social-emotional issues. Identification of students through a Multi-factored Evaluation (MFE) include the following components and must be displayed over a long period of time, to a marked degree and have an adverse effect on educational performance:
- an inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or health factors
- inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers
- inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances
- pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
- physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems
MCESC operates programs in traditional elementary, middle and high school buildings throughout Mahoning County serving the 11 local and 2 small city districts. In addition, the Mahoning County PACE Program (Positive Attitude and Commitment to Education) services students in grades K-12 who require a more restrictive setting in order to make academic and behavioral progress.
Intervention Specialists, trained in social emotional behavior support, are assigned to ED classrooms. Staff, in conjunction with a student's home district and parents develop an Individualized Education Plan to assist students in developing self-regulation skills and meeting academic goals. An assistant in each classroom assists with instruction as directed by the classroom teacher. All students continue to work within the general curriculum using Ohio's Academic Content Standards at their respective grade levels.
Students in these programs continue to receive any necessary related services such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Work Study. Bussing to each site is provided by home school districts.