The Mercer County Educational Service Center’s Multiple Disability Classrooms serve children with various educational needs from all of the districts in the county. Our goal is to provide education and opportunities that allow each child to reach their greatest potential. The focus turns from the disabilities to discover the abilities in each child. Students are provided instruction in the classroom but also given opportunities to be with typical peers and in the community. The focus for learning includes; academics, social, behavioral, fine motor, gross motor, and daily living activities.
Primary Classrooms:
The Primary Classrooms are located in Coldwater Elementary and Fort Recovery Elementary. The focus for learning is on social skills, learning to follow a schedule and functional academics. Students are included in the regular education classroom to interact with their typical peers. Students also participate in the Annual Fishing Derby at Grand Lake St. Marys and grade-level field trips.
Intermediate/Middle School Classroom:
The Intermediate Classroom is located in Coldwater Middle School. The focus for learning is on functional academics and building social skills with our peers in and out of the classroom. Students will go on errands around the community and also participate in the Annual Fishing Derby and the Low Incidence Chili Cook-off.
High School Classroom:
The High School Classroom is located at Coldwater EVS. The curriculum focuses on functional academics, vocational skills, daily living skills, and building independence. Students are beginning to participate in unpaid volunteer jobs in the school and in the community. Students also participate in the Annual Fishing Derby, the Peace Chords Bell Choir, Low Incidence Chili Cook-off, Annual Low Incidence Prom, and other community outings such as bowling, going out to eat, shopping, or to the movies. Teachers provide information to families about options as to what opportunities are available after graduation.
This year the high school classroom and transition classroom will be experiencing some team teaching to help build vocational and life skills.
Transition Classroom:
The Transition Classroom is located at Coldwater EVS. This program typically serves students who are ages 18-22. The focus for learning is how to function in the community as independently as possible. The language changes from calling the individual a student to a young adult or a team member. Team members are also working on daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry activities. Young adults in the Transition Center participate in the Annual Fishing Derby, the Peace Chords Bell Choir, Low Incidence Chili Cook-off, Annual Low Incidence Prom, and other community outings including shopping and going out to eat. Young adults also participate in unpaid community volunteer jobs to build work skills. Teachers work closely with parents and other agencies to help prepare for life after school-aged services or for community employment.