Neurodivergence is the norm at Cascade.
Our staff has a lot of experience working with ND kids and our kids love having ND peers who understand their challenges. A kid who cries or shouts in class will be cared for and supported and not ostracized. It's a normal experience for a kid to be overwhelmed sometimes. Support ranges from finding a parent, teacher, or instructional assistant to help co-regulate, giving time/space to regulate on their own, leaving the classroom for a break, or anything else the kid needs.
Teachers patiently work with kids who want to participate all the time and provide clear expectations about when it's ok to share and if it isn't time, when the next sharing time will be.
Kids who are uncomfortable speaking up in class often find that once they have relationships with their teacher and classmates, participating gets easier. The community has experience with selective mutism and values whatever form of communication is working best at the moment.
Our staff is small, and kids take classes with the same teachers year after year so these relationships have a lot of time to grow.
Fidgets and alternative seating (standing, pacing) arrangements are a normal part of a Cascade classroom.
Tell me about accommodations and scaffolding at Cascade
- Small classes
- Parents can attend classes with kids, or wait in the hallway so that an anxious kid knows you're right there if they have need of you.