Regional Day Programs
Coordinator, Northern VT Regional Programs - Jen Bostwick
802-879-4787 x256 (V/TTY)
Email: jbostwick@vcdhh.org
Special Education Director / Director, Bennington VT Regional Program - Brenda Seitz
802-258-9535 (V/TTY)
Email: bseitz@vcdhh.org
The largest of the Vermont Center Regional Programs, the Williston Regional Program is a specialized day program serving students in preschool through eighth grade. The Williston Regional Program currently consists of two multiage classrooms, each taught by a team of experienced teachers of the Deaf. The program strives to provide a least restrictive environment for Deaf and hard of hearing children in an educational setting that allows direct group instruction in their native language, American Sign Language. Individual instruction may involve the use of voice and/or English word order as necessary to meet the specific needs of each student. Teachers follow appropriate grade-level curriculum and use varied lessons, materials and teaching methods to address varied learning styles and abilities. Students receive instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science and spelling.
The Williston Regional Program is housed within a large public elementary school. All program students are mainstreamed for lunch, recess, art, physical education, computer technology, guidance, technical education, living arts, library and music. Educational interpreters accompany the students to all mainstreamed classes. Additional mainstream opportunities are available to students as warranted. All teachers and interpreters work together to ensure that classes are challenging for Williston Regional Program students without being overwhelming. Accommodations are readily implemented to promote academic success.
Student support services, such as counseling, speech/language and consultant services, are provided by qualified staff from other Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs.
Bennington Regional Program
The Bennington Regional Program is a specialized day program much like the Williston Program described above. The Program serves students in preschool through sixth grade.
For additional information about Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing regional programs, please call (802) 258-9595 (v/tty.)