Special Education

The Auglaize County Educational Service Center (ESC) is dedicated to supporting students with diverse educational needs through our specialized programs. We offer tailored support for students with emotional and behavioral challenges through our Emotional Disturbance (ED) Program, as well as comprehensive services for those with multiple disabilities. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, individualized learning environment that helps each student reach their highest potential, regardless of their specific needs.

Emotional Disturbance (ED) Program

Our ED Program aims to address significant emotional and behavioral challenges through individualized support and intervention. This program operates across three locations:

Elementary ED Unit: Cridersville Elementary
Middle School ED Unit: Wapakoneta Middle School
High School ED Unit: Wapakoneta High School

Students in the ED Program face persistent emotional or behavioral issues that impact their educational performance, such as difficulty learning, maintaining relationships, or managing emotions. Our program provides:

Expert Staff: Licensed educators and paraprofessionals.
Individualized Support: Customized IEPs to meet unique needs.
Integration Opportunities: Support for accessing general education environments.
Community Liaison: Connections with local mental health agencies.

Multiple Disabilities Program

The Multiple Disabilities Program serves students with severe educational needs from across the county, providing a supportive and caring environment that emphasizes each child’s ability to learn and succeed. This program is designed to meet a range of needs through:

Primary Classrooms: Located at Cridersville Elementary and St. Marys Elementary, focusing on developmental and social skills, functional academics, and activities like field trips and therapy.
Middle School Classrooms: At Wapakoneta Middle School and Minster Middle School, students engage in functional academics, pre-vocational skills, and community job tours.
Senior High Classrooms: Based at Wapakoneta High School and Minster High School, these classes emphasize daily living, vocational skills, and include integration with typical students in elective classes.
Turning Point Classrooms: Located at the Auglaize County ESC Annex for students ages 18-21, focusing on community-based skills, independent living, and vocational experiences.

What We Offer

Skilled Staff: Highly trained educators and support personnel.
Individualized Programs: Tailored IEPs and instructional strategies.
Functional Skills Training: Emphasis on daily living, social skills, and vocational training.
Community Integration: Opportunities for students to interact with peers and participate in community activities.

Key Benefits

Specialized Learning Environment: Structured and supportive settings tailored to student needs.
Comprehensive Support: From academic instruction to life skills and community engagement.
Collaborative Approach: Coordination with families, local schools, and community agencies.

Placement Procedures

Auglaize County ESC collaborates with local school districts—New Knoxville, New Bremen, Minster, Waynesfield, St. Marys, and Wapakoneta—to place students in our programs. For more information or to discuss program options, please contact:

Amy Becher
MD Director of Special Education
Phone: 419-739-0128
Email: abecher@auglaizeesc.org

Explore how our programs can make a meaningful impact on your child's educational journey.