FDS Special Needs Program (SNP)

Because every student has different needs, enrollment in the FDS Special Needs Program begins with an individualized review.

​

Before placement, FDS requires a meeting with the parent or guardian and student.

​

This helps our team:

• Meet the student and family

• Learn about the student's interests and strengths

• Understand communication preferences

• Discuss sensory or environmental considerations

• Understand the level of support the student may need

• Discuss previous experience with structured classes or activities

• Determine an appropriate lesson length and activity

• Determine whether FDS can reasonably and safely support the student's participation within our recreational program

Our goal is to create a class experience that is positive, respectful, structured, safe, and enjoyable for both the student and instructor.

​

Student safety and well-being are important priorities at FDS.

Our Special Needs Program provides:

• One-on-one instruction

• Structured class routines

• Clear and age-appropriate expectations

• Individual pacing when reasonably possible

• A positive recreational environment

• Emergency and safety procedures

• Adaptations when appropriate and reasonably available

Parents and guardians are expected to provide FDS with accurate information relevant to the student's safe participation.

Depending on the student's needs and circumstances, FDS may also ask a parent, guardian, caregiver, or other appropriate support person to remain available during a session.

FDS recognizes that students may require different levels of support. Because FDS is not a therapeutic or behavioral treatment facility, our instructors and staff cannot provide the level of care, intervention, supervision, or behavioral support that may be available through a therapeutic, clinical, medical, or specialized educational program.

A student's participation will therefore be considered individually based on factors including:

• The student's needs

• The activity requested

• Safety considerations

• Available staffing

• Instructor expertise

• Scheduling

• The accommodations reasonably available within the FDS setting

If a student requires medical care, therapeutic intervention, intensive behavioral support, or another level of specialized assistance during participation, FDS may request that the family coordinate appropriate outside support when applicable.

Placement is determined individually and is subject to program availability and FDS's ability to safely and appropriately provide the requested recreational service.

FDS Special Needs Program instructors are selected based on the student's requested activity, needs, scheduling, and instructor availability.

Our instructors may have experience working with students of different abilities and may adapt Dance or Gymnastics instruction to create an appropriate recreational learning experience.

Our program includes:

• Appropriate adult-to-student supervision

• Structured routines and clear expectations

• Sensory-aware environments, when possible

• Emergency procedures and safety protocols

• Staff trained in CPR and First Aid

Depending on a child’s individual needs, parents or guardians may be asked to remain on site or provide additional support during sessions. FDS instructors are Dance and Gymnastics educators- not licensed therapists or clinical providers unless separately and specifically identified as such in writing.