ARC (Autism Resource Centre)

Overview

The ARC (Academic Resource Centre) program offers specialized social and academic support for students. Students typically join the program in grade 8 and transition out after grade 9, depending on their progress and level of independence. The program is designed to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them achieve their academic and social goals. While some students focus on developing friendship-building skills, others receive targeted support in specific areas. In many cases, we act as interpreters, guiding students as they navigate the complexities of social interactions and peer communication.

Program Organization, Schedule, Structure, and Place

The ARC program serves a maximum of 15 students in grades 8 and 9. Students are supported throughout the day by SSAs (School and Student Support staff), who provide either in-class integration or assistance within the resource centre during social skills and homework blocks. Some students attend classes independently and use the resource centre for social development, while others require full-time support. Most students are enrolled in 6 integrated classes (e.g., Math, English, Science, PE, History), with the remaining 2 classes focused on social skills development and academic support in the ARC centre. By grade 10, most students transition to a mainstream schedule. They may continue at David Thompson or return to their catchment secondary school.

Working With Other Staff

Our goal is to collaborate with classroom teachers to adapt the curriculum, ensuring it meets the needs of our students for their academic success. We provide teachers with best practices for working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including specific strategies tailored to each student. This support includes advice on lesson organization and managing inappropriate behaviors. Staff members may attend classes to support students' behavior and academic engagement, with the level of in-class support gradually reduced as students demonstrate independence.

Working With Parents and the Community

We maintain close communication with parents to ensure consistency between home and school. This communication takes place daily or weekly through email or phone. Parents are encouraged to participate in IEP meetings and annual goal-setting alongside their child.

Program Goals

• Independence and Organization
   In grade 8, students often require significant support. As their organizational and coping skills improve, we aim to reduce this support. By grade 9, our goal is for students to require only part-time assistance, using the resource centre as a drop-in for extra support with social, academic, or organizational needs.
• Social and Communication Skills
   We aim for our students to develop friendships and feel comfortable in social settings. In terms of communication, we work towards students advocating for themselves and their needs in an appropriate, non-confrontational way.
• Academic Progress and Achievement
   Our goal is steady academic progress for all students, regardless of the adaptations required. We encourage students to discover and build on their strengths, interests, and talents to foster independence and long-term success.

Criteria for Admission

1. Meets the Ministry of Education special needs designation criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (G*).

Referral Process for Grade 7 Students

1. The School-Based Team (SBT) identifies a student whose needs may be met through the ARC program and recommends a referral.
2. The SBT forwards the required documentation by February 2025 to: Marianna Karkouch, Area Case Manager—Learning Services
    RE: ARC Program Screening
    Garibaldi Elementary
    1025 Slocan St, Vancouver
3. Placement offers will be sent to school administration in Spring (March/April 2025).

For questions regarding students with high-incidence needs or programs, School-Based Teams should contact Marianna Karkouch, Area Case Manager, at mkarkouch@vsb.bc.ca. This includes inquiries about current grade 8 students who may be considered for the ARC program in grade 9.

Required Documentation

• Triplicate "Request for Designation and/or Special Education Program Placement" form (not required for applicants from non-VSB schools).
• Psycho-educational assessment
• Current IEP
• Recent report cards
• Any other relevant assessment reports available in the student’s file