Student Support Services
In the Main Lessons and Subject Lessons, students are immersed in a comprehensive educational experience that embraces movement, music, art, literacy, numeracy foundations, and health-strengthening rhythm. This holistic approach is carefully designed to incorporate therapeutic elements seamlessly into students’ daily routines, ensuring that children not only learn academically but also experience the positive impact of a well-rounded education on their overall well-being.
For individuals requiring additional support, the Philly Waldorf Student Support Program (SSP) offers an intermediate level of intervention. It's important to note that while the SSP provides extra assistance, it may not comprehensively address all aspects of learning disabilities.
Dedicated Teachers Offer Extra Support
The SSP consists of dedicated teachers who provide extra academic or developmental support to students. Our objectives encompass:
Crafting learning environments tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles among all children.
Supporting teachers through a collaborative team-based approach for effective observation and intervention.
Cultivating a versatile repertoire of screenings, interview procedures, and assessments to enhance educational strategies.
Strengthening connections within the Waldorf School of Philadelphia community and with external service providers by fostering open communication and providing valuable services.
Supporting Student Progress
The Student Support Program at Philly Waldorf is grounded in pedagogical methods and interventions aligned with the Waldorf curriculum and the universal progression of child development. Our approach centers on enhancing our ability to perceive and respond to each individual, facilitating their continued engagement in the educational process. This targeted effort is particularly beneficial for students facing challenges as they progress through the grades.
Collaboratively, Class Teachers and SSP members actively observe children within the school community to identify those who may require additional support. However, we also encourage parents to share any concerns regarding their child's academic or developmental progress. Please reach out to the Director of Student Support Services or your student's Class Teacher, allowing us to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of intervention. Your partnership is crucial in ensuring the holistic development of every student.
Reading and Math Support
Academic intervention services consistent with our Waldorf approaches to literacy and numeracy are provided by teachers in Reading and Math Support. All lessons are conducted in a small group, pull-out format and run for 45 minutes on a regular schedule. Reading Support assists students with difficulties in the areas of phonics and comprehension, among other educational issues. Math Support classes work on basic math skills and grade-appropriate math abilities and support students who need additional practice to succeed.
Currently, small group pull-out supports for reading are available three times a week for students in grades 2-5. For math, students in grades 3-5 can access small group pull-out support twice a week, and Middle School students can benefit from Math Office Hours. This structured approach ensures that students receive personalized attention to enhance their literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the Waldorf philosophy.
Academic Intervention Levels at Philly Waldorf
Level 1 - Student has been identified with mild difficulty with progress; extra help is provided in a classroom setting.
Level 2 - After a period of extra in-classroom assistance, the student continues to have moderate difficulty with academic progress. Level 2 will include small group pull-out services two to three times per week during the school day.
Level 3 - After the above, if student progress still is not as desired and we conclude that student needs are beyond the capacity of our intervention services, we will meet with parents to discuss options for additional assistance. These options may include:
A third-party Educational/Psychological evaluation
Third-party tutoring
While Level 1 and 2 interventions are covered by tuition, Level 3 interventions and support come at additional cost to families and vary depending on the type and frequency. Participation in appropriate levels of intervention, as determined by the Director of Student Support Services, is a condition for continued enrollment.
Counseling Support
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia implements monthly Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons for students in grades 1-8, facilitated by our school counselor. These lessons are designed in accordance with Waldorf pedagogy, taking into consideration the developmental stages of our students and tailoring the content to each grade level. Aligned with the SEL Framework of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the curriculum focuses on fostering five essential competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The school counselor collaborates closely with classroom teachers to create skill groups and additionally conducts one-on-one counseling sessions with students.
Outside Services
For needs that go beyond the scope of our resources, such as the need for a medical or an Educational/Psychiatric evaluation, the SSP maintains a list of providers. These include the following resources consistent with our understanding of child development:
Screening by an Occupational Therapist who specializes in Sensory Integration.
Craniosacral Therapy
Physical Therapy
Social Coaching
Speech
Play Therapy
For more information, please contact Heather Mosenson, Director of Student Support Services, at learningsupport@phillywaldorf.com, who is available to answer questions and liaise with outside providers.