LIBERTY Program
Contact Information:
Cheryl Potman – Coordinator
828 Wooten Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
719-635-6333
About Our Program:
Learning
Independence
By
Educating
Responsible
Trustworthy
Youth
The LIBERTY Program of Pikes Peak BOCES is a partner in the Pikes Peak School of Excellence which includes Pikes Peak Pathways and the Phoenix Program.
The LIBERTY Program is a licensed educational setting that provides students with communication supports, structure, and routines in order develop appropriate behaviors, improve academic achievement, and gain independence in all areas of life.
Our educational program is centered on standards-based curriculum and positive behavior supports. We believe in consistent high expectation for students with logical consequences for behavior. Academic skills are individualized addressing each student’s needs.
The LIBERTY Program is in its second year. We serve students in kindergarten through seniors in high school. The length of stay will be determined on a student-by-student basis. The LIBERTY Program focuses on skill development so that students can successfully return to their district home school.
Vision of the LIBERTY Program
- Provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for students, families, staff, and visitors.
- Model respect for all people.
- Remain positive and focus on individual strengths and successes.
- Think proactively and focus on solutions to problems.
- Implement best practices in regard to instruction and problem solving.
- Utilize research based strategies and interventions.
- Accommodate sensory needs.
Goals of the LIBERTY Program:
The goal of the LIBERTY Program is to meet individual student needs so that students can achieve success and become contributing members of their community. Therefore, we will strive to:
- Improve academic achievement.
- Increase communication skills.
- Develop positive social skills.
LIBERTY Students
Our students are a racially, culturally and socio-economically diverse group from across the Pikes Peak region. Students who attend the LIBERTY Program typically demonstrate educational, behavioral, and social challenges. Students generally have dual diagnosis and/or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. We believe that each student is a unique individual with gifts and talents. We celebrate differences and provide educational services according to needs, not handicapping conditions.
Services Provided
- Standards-based academic program with emphasis on literacy and math
- OT, PT, and SLP services as prescribed in student’s IEP
- Positive Behavior Support Program
- Adapted, augmentative, assistive communication supports as prescribed in student’s IEP
- Social skills education and training
- Individual, group, and family therapy
Accessing the LIBERTY Program
Local school districts rely on the LIBERTY Program to serve students who are dually diagnosed and/or are on the autism spectrum with challenging behaviors who have not been successful in their home district programs. Services can be accessed and funded by school districts in the Pikes Peak region.
School districts may refer students to the program after all in-district resources have been exhausted and the student is continuing to experience behavioral and educational disruptions.
For more information about the LIBERTY Program, contact your school district’s special education director or the LIBERTY Program coordinator.