The Children's Guild offers special education day school programs for boys and girls ages 3 - 21 who are emotionally disturbed, on the autism spectrum and/or who have multiple disabilities that interfere with attending regular school programs. Students also may have secondary problems, such as learning disabilities, health impairments, attention deficit disorder, or speech and language problems.
Students are referred by their local education agencies through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The Children's Guild has three Maryland day school campuses, located in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County.
Curriculum
Our programs follow both the Maryland State Voluntary Curriculum and curriculum offered by public schools in the communities where The Children's Guild schools are located. English and language arts, math, science and social studies are at the center of our teaching. Students also receive instruction in physical education, health education, social skills, art, music and conflict resolution.
The Guild's approach focuses on experiential learning, integrated teaching and character education. And because student learning styles differ, each student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Instructional Technology
Each school is equipped to motivate a student's interest in learning. One way that we facilitate learning is by providing each student in grades 2 to 12 with a personal computer and each classroom serving those students with a SMART Board, which engages students, supports different learning styles and enhances student retention. The educational software we provide for students makes it possible for students to learn at their own rate and minimizes frustration due to waiting for the teacher's assistance.
Transformation Education
The difference between The Children's Guild and other nonpublic schools for children with special needs is the way we think about our students. The Children's Guild uses an organizational philosophy called Transformation Education, or TranZed, which fosters flexibility in the way the school operates, is managed, and the way the faculty think and act. This assures each child is treated as an individuals rather than forced to adapt to the organization's program.
Transformation Education has a strong character education component. The values that pervade our school culture emphasize living responsibly and serving causes larger than one's self. Students are strongly encouraged to contribute to their families, classrooms, schools and communities.
The result is that academic test scores go up, children spend more time actively learning, discipline problems are significantly reduced and time out of public school is shortened. Most importantly, our children discover a newfound self-confidence and a sense of hope for the future.
Learn more about TranZed at www.upsidedownorganization.org.
Counseling and Assistance
The Children's Guild has strong clinical and medical support services for students and families, including:
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Individual, group and family therapy
- Medication management
- Occupational therapy
- Psychiatric services
- School nursing
- Speech and language therapy
Extended School Year Program
The Children's Guild extended year program is designed to prevent students academic and social gains from regressing over the summer. Students are determined eligible through the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process.
Preschool
A classroom for students ages 3 to 5 is available at the Baltimore campus.
Admissions
If you believe your child would benefit from the structured programs and unique culture at The Children's Guild day school, there are important and necessary steps to take before your child is admitted.
- Schedule an IEP team meeting. Before you can enroll your child in The Children's Guild, you must schedule a meeting with your child's IEP team. The team will discuss your child's situation; and if necessary, refer your child to a non-public school such as The Children's Guild.
- Contact The Children's Guild. We want to know your child's current situation (i.e., IEP), and we want to tell you about the programs and services we offer.
- Interview and Tour. The admissions director at The Children's Guild will contact you to bring your child in for an interview and tour of the school. You may also meet with other staff members, including the therapist, psychiatrist, school principal and others, at this time.
- Acceptance. Your child can attend school within a day of formal acceptance. However, it usually takes the referring school system seven to 10 days to schedule bus transportation.
If you have questions about enrolling a child at The Children's Guild special education day school or other admissions requirements, the answer may be in the day school FAQ.
Admission requirements for all Children's Guild programs and services.