Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook 2025-2026

ECSE TEA

(Riverview, Pine Bend, washburn)

ECSE TEA

Description of Programming

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA) is a therapeutic preschool program. At the core of the program is the understanding that for young children, development occurs in the context of relationships. The Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA) Program offers therapeutic intervention by specially trained mental health professionals in addition to a full range of academic services in an environment with a high staff-to-student ratio. Mental health and educational programming are integrated into the entire school day. The TEA program provides services to students with mental health needs from age three through age 18 who require a high level of support. Instruction is provided in the areas of academics and social-emotional skills. There is strong collaboration between special education teachers, a Mental Health Professional, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), a health associate, and paraprofessionals to support students with their behavioral, mental health, and academic needs.

Our Approach and Focus

The Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA) program is designed to integrate mental health into the educational program. It offers a therapeutic milieu where students with mental health challenges can get their educational and mental health needs met. The TEA program offers a nurturing and comprehensive school program. Truly individualized instruction and programming are made possible through:

Co-led classrooms with a mental health professional and special education teacher
High staff-to-student ratios
Individual and group therapy and skills work
Classrooms with break-out spaces and classrooms with individual student offices
Evidence-based curriculum and instruction at the student’s developmental level
Specialized teams of support that include related service providers, mental health support, and a focus on social-emotional learning
Access to sensory room and sensory supports
Small, highly controlled school environment

Services and Benefits

All students in the TEA Program are provided related services based on needs outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including Mental Health therapy and skills, Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Developmental Adaptive Physical Education, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) are available to support the development and implementation of student-specific behavior plans.

School Meals

Health Services

Transportation

Site Leadership

AJ Boehmer

Assistant Principal/Special Education Coordinator

Phone: 952-431-8632

Fax: 952-431-4063

Email: aj.boehmer@isd917.org

Denise Erickson

Administrative Assistant

Phone: 952-431-4062