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Crawford County K-12 Career Alliance
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The support and special services and accomodations that are provided to disadvantaged, disabled, or limited English-speaking students that are enrolled in the programs at Crawford County Career and Technical Center, are provided by the special education department. The special education department consists of a Special Populations Coordinator and four paraprofessional aides. Disadvantaged Students The Pennsylvania Department of Education designates these three classifications as disadvantaged: economically disadvantaged, English Language Learner, and students with a 504 service plan. Economically disadvantaged students are provided with monetary assistance if they cannot afford the tools, materials, or uniforms that are required for particiaption in a technical program. The school also actively seeks assistance within the local community through donations from corporations, individual businesses, and community organizations such as the Lions club. If necessary, these students are also provided with extra academic assistance. This assistance is provided by the paraprofessional aides and/or the Special Populations Coordinator. Students with a 504 service plan are provided with whatever services are delineated within their service plan. Depending on the type of services that are needed, the services are provided by the teacher, a paraprofessional and/or the Special Populations Coordinator. All personnel that are responsible for providing the designated services are informed of the type of assistance that is required by the Special Populations Coordinator. Students with limited English proficiency also receive services through the special education department. These students are provided with additonal support in understanding the course content through paraprofessional assistance or support from the Special Populations Coordinator. Disabled Students Disabled students are all students that have an IEP (Individualized Education Program).. Students with an IEP are provided with whatever services are delineated within their plan. Depending on the type of services that are needed, the services are provided by the teacher, a paraprofessional and/or the Special Populations Coordinator. Many times the required services are provided by all three education professionals. All personnel that are responsible for providing the designated services are informed of the type of assistance that is required by the Special Populations Coordinator. Examples of Services Examples of the types of services that are provided through the special education department:
Mr. Thomas Vanco
Before entering the teaching profession Mr. Vanco worked as a draftsman in the research and development department of A.O.Smith Meter Systems in Erie Pennsylvania. He also has worked for General Electric of Erie as an electrical/mechanical draftsman. Mr. Vanco also managed the dairy section of a cooperative foods market in Denver Colorado. Mr. Vanco is a graduate of Cambridge Springs High School and the Crawford County Career and Technical Center’s drafting program. Mr. Vanco received his Bachelors of Science in Education from Edinboro University with a certification in elementary and special education. Mr.Vanco also received a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from Edinboro University. Mr. Vanco keeps current in his profession through continuing masters level courses in education.
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Mr. Vanco has served as the special populations coordinator for the Crawford County Career and Technical Center since 1993. He has also been a SkillsUSA advisor and a GED examiner for the school. Mr. Vanco has served as a member of the Crawford County CTC Strategic Planning Committee. Before coming to Crawford County CTC, Mr. Vanco served in the capacity as a special education teacher for the City of Erie School District. He also has taught special needs students through the Intermediate Unit #5’s partial hospitalization program for troubled youth. Mr. Vanco has also worked as a counselor for Hermitage House Youth Services.