AllentownSchool District

BrainSTEPS

What is BrainSTEPS?

The BrainSTEPS (Strategies Teaching Educators, Parents, and Students) Program was created to build a bridge connecting the medical, rehabilitation, education sectors and families following student (K-12) acquired brain injury (ABI). ABIs can cause cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral impairments that impact classroom performance and learning. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Health established the BrainSTEPS Program to address this issue.

BrainSTEPS consulting teams support school teams in the development and implementation of educational plans following student ABI. The original BrainSTEPS model in PA is currently funded by the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, and is implemented by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania. In 2017, BrainSTEPS was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a national model for educational consultation supporting students and school teams in the development and implementation of educational supports and services following an acquired brain injury.
 
BrainSTEPS is working to make sure that the individuals who provide educational support to children with brain injury have an understanding of brain injury, the resulting challenges, and the supports and interventions that will help these students achieve educational success through graduation.

BrainSTEPS Consulting Teams are comprised of professionals from varying disciplines who have received extensive training on educating children with brain injuries. When a child who attends a Pennsylvania public school has experienced educational effects following a brain injury, a BrainSTEPS team from the Allentown School District will act as consultants to coordinate services and provide basic training and resources to colleagues and families.

For more general information on the Allentown School District’s BrainSTEPS Program contact: 484-765-4058