Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA)

Program Focus
TEA offers therapeutic intervention by specially trained professionals in addition to a full range of academic services in an environment with a low staff-to-student ratio. Mental health and educational programming are integrated into the entire school day. Students are split into one of two different classroom models depending on the level of student need.

ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) TEA is a therapeutic preschool program. At the core of the program is the understanding that for young children, development occurs in the context of relationship. The program uses trauma informed interventions to support and understand how to meet the emotional needs of each child. While academics are embedded in the program, the focus of the program is on healthy social emotional development. A mental health professional and an early childhood special education teacher co-facilitate the program.


Support Services
 

  • Direct Mental Health Services

  • Individualized Educational Services 
  • A range of related services as needed
  • DAPE, speech, and occupational therapy
  • A Mental Health Consultant (ECSE TEA)


Disabilities Served
 

  • Educational Disorders 

  • Emotional Behavior Disorders

  • Other Health Disabilities

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder


Ages Served

  • 5-21 years old (LEC)

  • 3-5 years old (ECSE)


Current Location

  • Lebanon Education Center - Apple Valley (LEC)

  • Pond Family Center - Bloomington (ECSE)

  • Riverview Elementary - Farmington (ECSE)

  • Pine Bend - Inver Grove Heights (ECSE)


Supervisor and Contact Information
Jennifer Hetland
Phone: 952-431-4062
Email: 
  [email protected]