Bases

The B.A.S.E.S. Mission

B.A.S.E.S. is an acronym that stands for Building Academic, Social and Employment Skills, which is also the mission of our B.A.S.E.S. program. Therefore, the learning in a B.A.S.E.S. program focuses on Social Skills, Employment Skills and the Academic Skills that are relevant to the work place and community.

Also, the mission of a B.A.S.E.S. Program is to have the wide variety of students achieve their individual goals. Some of the students that might be in a B.A.S.E.S. Program include students with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, Autism, A.D.H.D., Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Downs Syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, severe behavior and others.

LSB (Learner Support BASES)

LSB is a division of our BASES program. It is an academic and social skills program for high functioning BASES students and special placement students.  LSB classes are limited to students who fit the social and academic profile. In this special class, there is a combination of group teaching and individualized academics. This program is new to Sullivan Heights this year. These students could possibly have up to three blocks of LSB as well as independently take various other academic and non-academic courses. There is EA support for the students in LSB, and there are work experience EAs that support all LSB and BASES students on work experience. Students in LSB and BASES graduate with a School Leaving Certificate.

Academic Skills

Academic learning needs to be modified and adjusted to find the zone of proximal learning for each student, which is the zone where there is a balance of success and challenge without excessive frustration or boredom. Impossible expectations can lead to frustration and discouragement. Lack of challenges can lead to boredom. Modified academic skills have a career skill or life skill focus. We focus on functional academics. Functional reading and reading comprehension, writing, mathematics (basic numeracy skills as well as telling time, time management and money math)

Social Skills

At Sullivan Heights B.A.S.E.S. program we promote and teach positive social skills. We value community and encourage students to relate in positive ways. Successful social skills are one of the most important life skills. Most employers place a great deal of value on inter-personal skills.  

Employment Skills and Life Skills

B.A.S.E.S. students learn employment skills and life skills in the B.A.S.E.S. program at Sullivan Heights.  Life skills and employment skills are very important for our students.  These skills give them the basis for life long independence.  Some of the things we work on are:  Learning to take public transit; trip planning; social skills in the community; work experience; self-determination; money management and many more skills required for independence and the world of employment.  Community outings play a big part in our program and are a requirement for every student.

Flavour and Philosophy

At the Sullivan Heights program we focus on positives. We are inspired by and motivated to continue the individual successes of each student. We make learning a positive experience. Students are encouraged to try new things and take risks in their learning, knowing that staff is there to support, guild and encourage them in their journey towards maximum independence. 

Conclusion

We hope all students can reach their maximum potential and have the most opportunities possible for them to choose for their future. Realistic goals are important for achieving this vision.

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