Behavioral Schools NJ | Alpha School of Jackson New Jersey
 

Behavior Therapy


 

Alpha School (a behavioral school in Ocean County New Jersey) is happy to offer a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as part of the school staff.

The responsibilities of the behaviorist include, but are not limited to:

  • Direct Staff Training
  • Design and Implementation of Data Collection
  • Data Analysis to Monitor and Determine the Effectiveness of Interventions
  • Parent Assistance and Training
  • Collaborative efforts with the classroom teacher to minimize behaviors in the academic and school settings

Some of the Alpha School Behavior Therapy Services Include:

  • Application of behavioral based interventions and techniques including the reduction and/or elimination of maladaptive behaviors
  • Functional Behavioral Assessments
  • Collaboration with Instructional Staff and Related Service Professionals
  • Behavior Intervention Plan Development
  • Curriculum Development based on the needs of the Individual

Meet Jamie Ponticello – Alpha School's School Social Worker

My name is Jamie Ponticello and I am the School Social Worker here at Alpha School. I work with our students in both individual and group settings and work on things like coping skills and enhancing the student's self-esteem. I also work the Social Skills after school program where I and staff help facilitate appropriate play and conversation with our students.

Be sure to download the New Jersey Resource Directory. This guide is a comprehensive resource that identifies various programs and services the Department of Human Services offers to New Jersey residents. 

jamie ponticello

 

Counseling

special needs student receiving counseling by Murae Vogler, Social WorkerOur certified school social worker, provides counseling services for those students who are deemed appropriate. It is important that our students are given the opportunity to express themselves in a comfortable environment with someone they trust. Students are provided not only individual opportunities to speak with a counselor, but also have the chance to talk with their peers on relatable topics that may be impacting their lives.

Students at Alpha School may receive:

  • Individual Counseling. Talk therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy are used to help each student reflect on the connection between their feelings and behavior
  • Group Counseling. Group counseling provides students with social skills training with the use of reality talk and board games, which promote the use positive social skills in a peer environment.
  • Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Services. Our school social worker is a specialist in investigating, reporting and resolving any incidents of maltreatment

 

Crisis Intervention

The Crisis Intervention Team utilize CPI, Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Our BCBA, Mr. Steve Fortunato, has been certified as a Trainer in CPI since 2018. In addition, he has an assistant, Mr. Paul Gunteski who is also a CPI certified trainer.

CPI is a safe, non-harmful behavior management system designed to help staff provide for the best possible care, welfare, safety, and security of disruptive, assaultive individuals-even during their most violent moments.

Crisis intervention is a small segment of time in which staff members must intervene with another person to address behavior that may escalate into disruptive or even violent incidents.

The goal of the staff here at Alpha School is to intervene in a way that provides for the care, welfare, safety and security of all who are involved in a crisis situation.

The goal of the staff here at Alpha School is to intervene in a way that provides for the care, welfare, safety and security of all who are involved in a crisis situation.

 

After School Social Skills Program

after school social skills event for special needsThe Alpha School After School Social Skills Program provides students who require additional social skills after traditional school hours, with a fun and engaging learning environment.

Parents/Guardians can feel comfortable knowing their children are interacting with peers in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Student participate in structured invigorating activities with their friends in recreation and cooperative team-building games encouraging social skills.

The goals and objectives of the Social Skills Program are:

  • Peer Relationships/Friendships
  • Conversational Skills
  • Eye Contact
  • Body Language
  • Cooperative Play Skills
  • Assertive Skills/Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Emotions