CBI PROGRAM

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The primary objective of Community-Based Instruction (CBI) is to offer students practical learning opportunities to acquire the skills necessary for today's world. CBI is designed to provide authentic teaching experiences that focus on Daily Living Skills. The classroom serves as a platform to introduce relevant concepts and skills, which are then implemented and practiced within the community's natural surroundings. Through CBI, students can acquire crucial life skills and apply them in real-life situations, thereby enhancing their overall educational experience.

What are the benefits of CBI?

The objective of this strategy is to facilitate inclusion and integration through the provision of practical experiences with peers and members of the community. It entails granting access to age-appropriate resources and settings, identifying unique strengths, preferences, and interests of learners, and increasing opportunities for social and interpersonal interaction. Moreover, it fosters autonomy by promoting decision-making and active participation with non-disabled peers, enhancing functional skills, and facilitating self-reliance.

What’s the difference between a CBI activity and a Field Trip?

CBI Activity: This program is designed to facilitate the acquisition of life skills through the implementation of an individualized education plan (IEP). The program's objectives are clearly defined and are carried out in small groups. During community-based instruction (CBI) trips, a student-to-staff ratio is maintained to ensure that each student receives one-on-one support from staff.

Field Trips

It is imperative that any extracurricular activities be not only enjoyable but also closely aligned with the curriculum. Furthermore, they should be designed to provide students with exposure to the subject matter. Ideally, such activities should be conducted in a group setting with a lower student-to-staff ratio to ensure maximum engagement and learning.

How does CBI work at Stone Ridge Academy?

The CBI instructor will collaborate with teachers, and counselors to select a field trip destination that aligns with the student's educational objectives and current coursework. In preparation for the outing, the teacher will provide students with vital information and skills necessary to excel in the community environment. The CBI excursion will involve the teacher, staff, school nurse, and CBI instructor. Typically, CBI trips occur on a monthly basis, and parents will be notified in advance. All participating students are required to provide a signed permission slip.

How do we ensure safety?

When considering the location for a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outing, our team conducts a thorough analysis of safety measures. In this process, we take into account the mobility and behavioral requirements of our students and determine the level of support necessary to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals during the outing. During the trip, we consistently implement behavior intervention plans and positive strategies in accordance with the IEP. Our CBI instructor carries emergency contact information and a first aid kit, while trips are attended by CPR/AED and epi-pen-certified staff members, as well as a school nurse. Our students and staff wear Stone Ridge Academy shirts and employee badges during the trip to facilitate easy identification.