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ESU 7 Cen7ter is a level three vocational and life skills program supporting students in special education based on their individual needs and the IEP team decision.

The Cen7ter supports students who are building their independent life skills and serves students aged 14 - 21.

The Cen7ter serves 19 school districts from 7 counties.

(Boone, Butler, Colfax, Merrick, Nance, Platte, and Polk)

Contact Information:

Special Education

Director

Tami Clay

402-564-0815 ext. 1018

tclay@esu7.org

Chief Administrator

Kris Elmshaeuser

402-564-5753 ext. 1001

lpolk@esu7.org

Student Services

Principal

Cara Neesen

402-564-0815 ext. 1008

cneesen@esu7.org

Cen7ter Teacher

Rachel Burgess

402-564-0815 ext. 1053

rburgess@esu7.org

Cen7ter Teacher

Meridith Riha

402-564-0815 ext. 1054

sgriffith@esu7.org

Administrative Asst.

Angie Arndt

402-564-0815 ext. 1017

aarndt@esu7.org

Address:

ESU7 Cen7ter

2563 44th Ave.

Columbus, NE 68601

402-564-0815

Referral Process

Student and family tour Cen7ter and meet with staff to complete attendance paperwork for placement. Student begins attendance at the Cen7ter.

The district submits an online application and has parents sign the permission form to share educational information and observe the student. Cen7ter staff observes student and consults with district staff about the student’s needs

Districts contact the Cen7ter team with an applicant student. The Cen7ter team sends out the necessary application process forms to apply to the program.

The Cen7ter team meets and considers the student’s application and then contacts the district regarding placement at Cen7ter as a possibility.

Student’s IEP team meets to discuss placement options. Cen7ter staff will attend the meeting if Cen7ter is an option. Cen7ter staff will provide the team with student programming/planning as needed.

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VISION

ESU 7 Cen7ter will support each student, regardless of disability, in learning the skills necessary to make a valuable contribution to society.

MISSION

ESU 7 Cen7ter will build on student strengths to prepare each student for independence in school, community, employment, leisure, and social environments.

VALUES

These are the ideals we intentionally and relentlessly model, teach, and reinforce.

  • Be Compassionate
  • Be Engaging
  • Be Inspiring
  • Be Positive

FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM:

ESU 7 Cen7ter focuses on building students’ skills in 5 domain areas:

  • Domestic (home life)
  • Recreation & Leisure
  • Vocational
  • Community
  • Functional Academics

Within each of these domains are embedded skills of:

  • Self Advocacy Skills
  • Motor Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Social Skills

Helping students gain independence in all of these areas are the goals of the Cen7ter staff so that our students become capable and successful citizens that contribute to our community. We also strive to build independency so that our students can function to the best of their abilities in all aspects of their lives.

WHAT DOES THE CEN7TER OFFER STUDENTS?

  • Specially trained staff
  • Sensory input as needed
  • Vocational experiences at job sites (we partner with over 20 local businesses)
  • Instruction customized to each student
  • Environment created to foster positive interactions and learning
  • Community experiences - (ie. movies, bowling, field trips, shopping, etc.)
  • Social interactions to help build communication skills and social understanding with students and staff on a daily basis

ESU