Student Support

Special Educators and Para-Educators
Through our partnership with the Foundation for Inclusion in Religious Education, Denver Affiliate (FIRE Denver), schools can apply for grants to hire Special Educators and Para-Educators to support students with moderate to severe needs who might otherwise be unable to attend Catholic schools. In the 2025–26 school year, 16 schools are partnering with FIRE Denver, with six designated as Spark Schools building their inclusive education programs. FIRE Denver also provides professional development tailored to inclusive education.

Archdiocesan Student Care Team (ASCT)
The ASCT is a volunteer committee of professionals with expertise in special education. Meeting monthly via Zoom, the team supports schools in addressing complex student cases. The ASCT’s goals are to model student care team processes for schools to adopt and to provide strategies for academic, behavioral, and process support. Schools submit a referral form, meet with the Director of Student Support Services, and join the ASCT meeting. Post-meeting, schools receive a report with recommended strategies, followed by ongoing support. The team includes specialists such as Speech Language Pathologists, English Language Learning Specialists, Physical Therapists, School Leaders, Psychologists, Counselors, Special Educators, Occupational Therapists, and Classroom Teachers.

Local Education Agency Supports
Depending on their local education agency, schools may access personnel support (e.g., special education staff or specialists) or tutoring services. Schools can also apply for Title funding based on their demographics to address specific needs.

Additional School-Specific Supports
Each school offers unique personnel and resources, such as reading specialists, counselors, or interventionists, tailored to their student population. Guided by our department, schools provide accommodations and curriculum modifications for students with documented learning differences.

Systemization and Documentation Templates & Supporting Resources
To ensure consistency and efficiency across our schools, we provide standardized documentation templates for student support processes. These include forms, individualized plans, progress reports, and behavior intervention plans. Designed to align with best practices and our mission, these templates streamline communication, data collection, and compliance while reducing administrative burden.
Schools access these resources through our centralized platform, fostering uniformity in how student needs are identified, documented, and addressed across the Archdiocese. Our curated resource library includes sample education plans, progress monitoring tools, intervention templates, eligibility guidelines, and protocols.

Education Modified (EdMod) Platform
EdMod is a robust platform equipping educators with tools to personalize instruction and improve outcomes for all students, especially those with unique learning needs. It enables teachers to differentiate instruction, monitor progress, and collaborate effectively. We secure annual grant funding to provide EdMod licenses to our schools at no additional cost.

Professional Development
We offer ongoing professional development to equip educators and leaders with the skills to support diverse learners. Our practical, mission-aligned trainings focus on inclusive instruction, behavioral support, and data-informed decision-making, delivered through workshops, virtual sessions, or on-site coaching.

Continuing Education for Faculty
We encourage faculty to pursue advanced training in areas like dyslexia, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, behavior support, and inclusive education. Through partnerships with universities, diocesan offices, and national organizations, we connect educators with coursework, certifications, and conferences to enhance their ability to serve all learners within a Catholic framework.

Engaging Third-Party Strategists
We partner with third-party strategists specializing in special education program development to ensure the sustainability of our inclusive education initiatives. These experts conduct needs assessments, develop strategic growth plans, and build school capacity to serve students with exceptional needs effectively.

Access to Private Therapy in Our Schools
Families utilizing private Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, or Behavior Therapists (often insurance-based) may arrange for these services to be provided in our schools, where scheduling and space can be accommodated during the school day. Therapists must complete Safe Environment Training and a background check, aligning with our safety protocols. This collaboration between therapists and teachers extends the impact of therapy beyond individual sessions.

Ongoing Innovation and Growth
Our department evolves with the needs of schools, families, and students. By listening to stakeholders and staying informed by current research, we seek new programs, forge partnerships, and pilot innovative solutions to ensure dynamic, excellent, and inclusive support for every child.