Services
Educational Services
Many of our students have experienced repeated school failure because of behavior problems, learning disabilities, truancy, and/or lack of motivation. As a result, school has not been a successful place for them. Our goal is to provide an individualized and supportive environment in which we teach respect for – and joy of – learning. Here, when students discover that they can achieve, they change their attitudes about school.
With low student/teacher ratios and technology in all classrooms. Middle school classes, grades 6 – 8, are taught using traditional middle school curriculum. Our high school provides traditional and advanced academic classes, as well as special education, alternative education plans for GED preparation and testing, and career and technical training offering certification. Elective classes and credit recovery via virtual courses can be arranged as part of curriculum in conjunction with student’s local education agency. Students with special education needs are supported with an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Along with their families, high school students decide whether to enroll in general academic classes, college preparatory courses, or some combination of the two. Guidance is provided in vocational, career, and college planning. At Timber Ridge School, academic progress and achievement is celebrated quarterly, and a special graduation ceremony is held yearly for diploma presentation.
School is in session 12 months a year, with summer courses available to earn an additional two credits. Our library, computer lab, gymnasium, weight room area, outdoor sports fields, and new vocational building support a well-rounded educational program. As necessary, we offer such additional services as speech/language therapy and one-on-one academic tutoring.
Individualized Service Plan
Individualized Service Plan (ISP) is developed prior to the student’s admission. The ISP is reviewed and approved at Admission. A multi-disciplinary team is responsible for the daily implementation of the student’s ISP to include residential staff of the facility under the coordination of the clinical counselor assigned to the unit and case manager.
Intensive Family Engagement
According to some researchers, family involvement is crucial for long-term outcomes following a teen’s discharge from residential care. Family-centered residential care is an emerging best practice. The key components of family-centered residential treatment are consistent with the Building Bridges resolution, such as scheduling frequent family engagement activities in addition to regular family counseling sessions. Involvement of the family and other natural supports has been shown to have a stronger positive impact on treatment than any particular individual treatment technique.
Transitional Living Services
Program service array includes moderate levels of Transitional Services/Independent Living “soft skill” growth that includes on and off campus jobs that promote work skills development experience in advance of step down return to the community. Higher level students can live in apartments as part of their “campus life” goals, and the opportunity to highly individualize employable skills to community stakeholders for continuum of care growth.
Trauma-informed Care
ARC is recognized by the National Child Trauma Stress Network (NCTSN) as “a promising practice.” ARC is a comprehensive framework for intervention with youth exposed to complex trauma. ARC identifies three core domains that are frequently impacted among traumatized youth, and which are relevant to future resiliency: Attachment, Regulation and Competency. ARC provides a theoretical framework and a guiding structure for providers working with children, teens, and their caregivers or caregiving systems.
Residential Life/Sports
Campus activities and programming – amenities that serve to provide a strong ancillary therapy milieu include sports teams that compete with local high schools and other private schools (e.g. football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, track), Student Leadership Team, peer mediation, community service projects, and various other student initiated volunteer activities that include Wounded Warrior/Veterans activity, Habitat for Humanity, local Animal Shelter, etc.
Health Services/Medication Management
Registered and licensed practical nurses are on campus or on-call, providing 24/7 support to our students. Our Health Services department maintains records, administers medication, assesses medical needs, and schedules necessary medical and dental appointments. Our nurses arrange a psychiatrist for a student’s medication management. The psychiatrist provides an initial evaluation for psychotropic medications, makes provisions for prescription, and monitors ongoing medication use.
Targeted Case Management
Our case managers ensure each student is provided a coordinated delivery of services, such as medical, clinical, and educational services to meet the treatment needs. Case managers are responsible for communication and progress reports between student, staff, family, and referring agency. They also arrange family visits and facilitate internal and external transitional services.