Joey Program
Support for students in Years One to Three
Address: Highview Road, Preston 3072
Ph: 9478 8895 Fax: 9478 6686
Email: yarra.me.sch@edumail.vic.gov.au
The Joey Program is a six month placement for primary school age students in Years 1 - 3 who exhibit challenging behaviours. We work in partnership with the referring school and parents/caregivers to tailor supports for positive school engagement.
The Joey Program has been operating in the North Western Victoria Region for twelve years and is located at Preston, which is registered as the main campus with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority for the Yarra Me School.
PROGRAM
The Joey Program offers an individualised literacy and numeracy program. Circle Time and social skills classes provide opportunity for social development and are integral elements of Positive Behaviour Supports. Time is also set daily for SMART goal setting, counselling and student self-evaluation. All students are provided with a personalised learning plan. Small groups, consistent care, predictable routines, appropriately modelled behaviour, negotiated responsibilities and a commitment to engage all students are characteristics of the student management approach.
INTAKE
Students can be referred by the student's main school and/or a DET Allied Health Officers at any time. An Enrolment Committee considers the referral and prepares a recommendation. Admission and commencement is subject to suitability and availability of space in the program.
DURATION
Placement in the program is for six months (two school terms). Students can be referred for a start of year placement or a mid year placement. We enrol two groups over the course of the academic year. Group one commences the program in term one and completes the placement at the end of term two. The second enrolment intake, Group two occurs at the beginning of Term 3 and goes till the end of term four.
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Important information about the referral process
Participation and success in the program for students in years one to three is dependent on :
- the student being enrolled in a mainstream state primary school in the North Western Victoria Region.
- the student is at risk of disengaging from school.
- the student exhibits significant social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
- the school has demonstrated their 'referral pathway' in supporting the student in their school, including a recent cognitive assessment
- the family/carer has been consulted about the program and are supportive of the placement
- the student is positive about the placement
PLACEMENT PROCESS
Our referral process involves the following steps:
SUITABILITY OF PLACEMENT
- the student being enrolled in a mainstream state primary school in the North Western Victoria Region.
- the student is at risk of disengaging from school.
- the student exhibits significant social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
- the school has demonstrated their 'referral pathway' in supporting the student in their school, including a recent cognitive assessment
- the family/carer has been consulted about the program and are supportive of the placement
- the student is positive about the placement
PLACEMENT PROCESS
Our referral process involves the following steps:
- telephone/email/web enquiry from referring school or agency
- referral form completed
- student observation
- orientation visit for the student, parent and referring teacher
- half day trial
- notification of outcome from placement committee
SUITABILITY OF PLACEMENT
- Once placement is confirmed, all students are offered an initial four-week trial period into the program that takes into account their suitability and response to the planned interventions, including the student's willingness to participate in the program.