The Children's Residential Program

The Children’s Residential Program incorporates behavioral teaching methods and structured learning experiences to increase and enhance skill development in areas such as personal care, communication, social interaction, recreation/play and community integration. Support strategies identified by Speech Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, a Recreation Therapist and Behavior Specialists/Analysts are an important program component. These can include: visual and environmental supports such as activity schedules with picture/word icons, communication boards, task analysis strips and sensory activities.

Children are placed in particular houses based on age and level of functioning (communication, social interaction, daily living) however, individual information such as the child’s experience with sharing a room is considered as well. Residence Managers design house specific routines (such as bed times), chores and activities that are age appropriate while supporting an individual’s growth and development.

While the residential program is focused on providing consistent learning and growth opportunities for all children in order to develop skills, it also recognizes the importance of providing a variety of typical childhood experiences that are necessary to each individual’s development. These include community activities such as visits to museums, parks, swimming, movies and dining out. The program also provides opportunities for participation in an after-school program that can include sports activities, arts and crafts, computer games, cooking experiences, dance and relaxation classes.

Maintaining family connections and teaching children to successfully participate in and enjoy family outings, home visits and day visits is important. Given our campus living environment, we must also be mindful of the safety of our students, staff and visitors. A Visitation Procedure is utilized to ensure successful and safe interactions for all. A Family Visiting Center has been created to afford families a private on campus setting to visit with their child.

Children are placed in particular houses based on age and level of functioning (communication, social interaction, and daily living).