Stephen Burnham, Program Director
The EDCO 45-Day Assessment Program serves students in grades 6 – 12 who are referred by their school districts for an in-depth analysis of learning, social, emotional and/or behavioral needs. Our small student population enables the 45-Day Program staff to provide individualized instruction while maintaining the integrity of the curriculum. Curriculum guidelines are obtained from the students’ home schools and lessons are designed to keep the students current in academic subjects.
The Program uses a positive behavioral support system and provides frequent behavioral feedback to the student. Students are guided to identify triggers, behaviors, and appropriate tools to manage negative behaviors. Program clinical staff provides individual counseling using evidence-based strategies. Treatment modalities include, but are not limited to: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and trauma-focused therapy. All staff members are trained in evidence-based strategies to offer a therapeutic milieu that provides a supportive and safe environment in which students can meet academic and clinical goals.
As a result of our work with the student and with attention toward school district referral questions, the EDCO 45-Day Assessment Program staff produce a thorough written assessment which offers the school district, students and families specific recommendations for maximizing and fostering student academic, emotional, behavioral, and social gains in an educational setting. In FY 15, EDCO served twenty-three students in the 45-Day Assessment Program.
- Thorough formal and informal assessment measures are matched to district referral questions and student needs
- Placement culminates with a thorough written academic and psychosocial report
- Instruction and commitment to engage reluctant learners
- Individualized lessons and collaboration with students to develop de-escalation strategies
- Promotion of student self-advocacy for use of de-escalation tools
- Weekly counseling sessions with additional clinical support as needed
- Ongoing communication with family and outside providers