The Dearborn Academy STEP Program (Short Term Educational Placement)(STEP) was initiated by Dearborn Academy in 2001 to address specific needs identified in a survey of area public school special education administrators. It was created in response to sections of the federal statutes of IDEA, requiring a 45 –day interim alternative placement in certain defined circumstances.

STEP provides stabilization and assessment services designed for elementary, middle and high school students who have been temporarily excluded from their educational placement. Referrals are accepted for students who have violated their school’s disciplinary code, are exhibiting current difficulties in their school placement, are in need of evaluation and treatment for mental health symptoms, and for students who are in need of a transition for a more restrictive setting, such as a hospital or residential treatment program.

The goal of STEP is to help students address the issues that resulted in their referral and to prepare them for a transition to an appropriate educational setting. STEP emphasizes respect, community, personal responsibility for choices, and developing skills that will enable students to participate more successfully in a school environment. Our approach is relationally based and incorporates an individual’s need for positive connections with others.

• STEP provides intensive academic, behavior, and therapeutic intervention and assessment to elementary, middle and high school students.
• The staff to student ratio is approximately 1:2.
• Educational services are individualized and based upon the needs of students. Instruction is guided by the curriculum of referring school system and the student’s individualized educational plan.
• Students are provided with individual, group, and family counseling. Group counseling curriculum addresses substance abuse, conflict resolution, and positive decision-making, and communication skills.
• A clinical nurse specialist and psychiatrist are available for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
• Curriculum includes Friday field trips for community service projects, adventure-based counseling, and experiential academic activities and creative arts.
• Milieu support provides students with behavioral intervention, which includes anger management, problem solving and pro-social skill building.
• STEP works with the student, family, and referring school district to facilitate a student’s successful reintegration to his/her previous setting, or to help them transition to a more appropriate educational placement.
• STEP extends for 45 days or longer, depending on student need and public school requests.
• STEP works closely with sending school districts regarding student’s progress. A weekly progress report is sent to parents and the referring district, which identifies academic, clinical and behavioral progress. A comprehensive clinical and academic assessment is completed on each student.