The PEACE Program (Providing an Education for Autistic and Communication impaired children Effectively) at Dutchess County BOCES in Poughkeepsie, New York began in September of 1997. The program follows the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication handicapped CHildren) philosophy, a statewide program in North Carolina. The main goal of the program is to prepare people with autism and communication impairments to live and work more effectively at home, school, and in the community. The program strives to: increase independence, help students understand their world, help students acquire communication skills, and improve students' coping skills.

Educational strategies are established individually on the basis of a detailed assessment of the student's learning abilities and interests. The PEACE classroom is designed in a way to increase visual clarity and organization. Each student has an individual daily schedule that provides a concrete visual system for helping the student understand the main activities that will occur during the day and in what sequence. Consistent use of a daily schedule encourages independence and can greatly reduce stress and related behavioral difficulties.

The physical layout of the classroom is an important aspect of our program. Arrangement of the classroom furniture and the visual organization of materials help promote independence and reduce stress. Areas in the classroom are well defined and often the furniture is used to create boundaries and block out distractions. Work areas common to most PEACE classrooms are individual work areas (offices), one to one work tables, a play or leisure corner, and a group activity center.

Parents and family members are encouraged to be active members of their children's education. Parental input is essential to the assessment process and the overall progress of their children.

A team approach to teaching is utilized in the program. Most related service providers that work with the PEACE students have been fully trained in the TEACCH philosophy and techniques. This ensures consistency throughout the students' school day.

Contact Project Coordinator
The New York Institute for Special Education
999 Pelham Parkway
Bronx, New York 10469
(718) 519-7000