PATHE - Positive Alternatives to Handling Emotions 

PATHE Program Structure

PATHE is a public separate school program operated by the Wood County Educational Service Center in partnership with local school districts. As an extension of participating districts, PATHE provides a structured, supportive educational environment integrating academics, behavioral intervention, social-emotional learning and related services. Programming is individualized through each student's IEP and aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards.

Students We Serve

PATHE serves students whose behavioral, social-emotional, and academic needs require a more intensive level of support than can currently be provided within their educational setting. The program focuses on helping students develop self-regulation, communication, problem-solving, relationship, and academic skills while building the confidence and independence necessary to successfully transition to a less restrictive educational environment when appropriate.

Specialized Programming

PATHE combines individualized academic instruction with explicit behavioral and social-emotional skill development. The Discipline That Restores framework promotes accountability, reflection, relationship repair, and restoration. Individualized behavior tracking guides intervention and celebrates growth, while collaboration with the Children's Resource Center (CRC) provides access to behavioral and mental health supports. PATHE works closely with families, home districts, related service providers, and community partners to provide a coordinated approach to student success.

PACE - Providing Access to Community Employment 

PACE Program Structure

PACE is the vocational and transition component for students ages 16 and older who have demonstrated readiness to successfully transition to a less restrictive educational environment. PACE expands learning beyond the classroom through academics, vocational instruction, work-based learning, job placements, and community experiences aligned with each student's IEP and transition goals.

Students We Serve

PACE serves students preparing for the transition from school to adulthood who are ready to apply their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skills with greater independence. Students build responsibility, self-advocacy, workplace readiness while preparing for employment, continued education or training, and life after graduation. PACE serves students ages 16 and older who are preparing for the transition from school to adulthood and have demonstrated readiness to successfully participate in a less restrictive educational environment.

Students participating in PACE are ready to:

• Apply previously learned behavioral and social-emotional skills with greater independence

• Participate appropriately in workplace and community environments

• Increase responsibility for their own choices, schedules, and goals

• Develop and practice employability skills

• Explore career interests and vocational strengths

• Strengthen communication and self-advocacy skills

• Develop independent living and functional life skills

• Work toward individualized postsecondary goals

• Prepare for employment, continued education or training, and adult life

Specialized Programming

PACE provides vocational and community-based experiences that allow students to practice skills in real-world settings. Programming is an extention of our PATHE program and emphasizes career exploration, employability skills, communication, problem-solving, workplace expectations, self-advocacy, and independence while maintaining appropriate academic and IEP supports.