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K-12 School for Special Needs
Jean Hoyt & Janet Broll
Lakemary Center
2025-07-20
Jean Hoyt, Chief Program Officer for Children's Programs at Lakemary Center. Janet Broll, Chief Operating Officer.
Notes from July 20th - Jean Hoyt & Janet Broll - Lakemary Center
Lakemary Center School:
- Serves ages 6-21yo
- School started in 1969 in Paola for IDD
- Non-profit / non-denominational
- Students are referred by the local public school districts
- Serves Autism & other Psychiatric needs
- 100 Kids total:
- 20-30 are "day" students (don't live there)
- 70-80 live on campus (typically for 3-6 months)
- IEP services to age 21
Program Structure:
- 3 "pods" within 5 classrooms based on student ability:
- "Nova": Students with limited verbal skills — Independent Living Skills, Art Therapy, Music Therapy
- "Titans": Higher functioning students referred for behavioral concerns — 6-10 kids/class, CODA (Certified Occupational Therapy)
- Staff trained on safe crisis management including how to safely restrain a student
- Extended school year (ESY) with an IEP
Transition:
- Purpose is to give students tools to succeed in the least restrictive classroom possible
- Goal is always to transition back to local school
Additional Children's Services:
- 2 Outpatient Facilities (Olathe and Miami County): ABA, Family/Group/Individual Therapy
- Crisis Management Team (for severe cases): BCBA/RBT, OT, SPED — work with child and family, titrate to lower intensity within 3 months