| Program
Descriptions
Whispering Hills is a specialized
learning community, created
specifically to foster asset
development by embracing the unique
needs of youth with Emotional
Disturbance, Autism or PDD.
Our program begins with a very low
youth to teacher ratio in the
school, and carries over to a highly
specialized living environment where
your youth's needs are met 24 hours
a day by highly trained, motivated
staff members.
Our
treatment program features three
phases, data-driven decision making
and is researched-based. It is
grounded in the theories and
practices of:
Applied
Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior
Development, Cognitive Behavior
Development, Motivation/Response
Cost Identification, Sensory Diet
Planning/Movement for Optimal
Alertness and Cognitive
Organization.
Our
teaching strategies are based on the
system of ABA/VB, and are carried
over into the residential teaching
homes (applied behavioral
analysis/verbal behavior).
This field has a researched based
track record of providing a very
high success rate in helping
youth confronting Autism or PDD
gain communication skills, general
knowledge and readiness skills as
well as socially acceptable
behaviors. Learning takes
place in a structured environment,
where multiple trials are presented
and reinforced using an errorless
learning system. Acquisition
of language across all operant's and
fundamental learning skills are at
the heart of the teaching program.
These skills are taught in the
classroom, and practiced in the
small living groups of the homes.
Environment of Care
We are a
community of learners centered on
developmental appropriate
educational and therapeutic
programming. Our culture is
built on the relationship principle
which states that once connected
with each other and the world around
us, we will thrive. The
foundation for our way of being is a
focus on deliberately creating
opportunities to build within each
of our youth: Support, Empowerment,
Positive Values, Positive Identity,
Constructive Use of Time, Commitment
to Learning Boundaries and
Expectations, and Social
Competencies.
We
specialize in addressing the unique
abilities and needs of Autistic/PDD
youth using the practice of
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
coupled with the Development of
Verbal Behavior (VB). We plan,
do and evaluate our strategies and
activities with each individual
youth daily to assure that we are
meeting our short term benchmarks
and making progress towards long
term goal acquisition. We
provided a low youth to staff
ratio, carry over of classroom
practices in to teaching homes, and
an overall milieu and reintegration
plan conducive to restoring family
hope for a brighter future.
The
Educational Program
Whispering Hills has a unique
on-site facility which provides
educational services to our
residential youth and non-public day school
youth year round. Our
school is staffed with certified and
trained special education teachers,
general education teachers, support
and direct care staff. Our
school design features both
structured and unstructured space in
order to accommodate the varying
types of client educational and
behavioral needs.
All
efforts are directed toward
continued research into best
practices in the instruction of
youth with varying learning
disabilities as well as neurological
and developmental areas of concern.
Instruction always matches
assessment which is conducted on a
daily basis and documented in youth
portfolios. Highlighted
teaching strategies include:
- establishing instructional
control;
- using errorless teaching to
achieve a correct response;
and,
- using the discrete trial method
of instruction for specific
skill development.
Additionally, modifications which
support individualized educational
programming and assure a sensory
diet are implemented. Related
services necessary for a youth to
experience educational success are
also provided.
Youth
at Whispering Hills also receive
instruction in life skills and
vocational awareness activities.
Fine arts opportunities,
recreational activities, gardening
and instruction in the care of and
responsibility for multiple types of
farm animals (when appropriate) are part of each
youth's program. |
