Academics
The Children’s Guild’s Philosophy of Education
Our innovative approach to education is that children “do as we do, not as we say.” Therefore, we place a great emphasis on using our school to model what we would like children to learn.
One thing we would like children to learn is that there is a connectedness to life and a systemic nature to many of the problems one seeks to solve. We model this through integrating instructional material in an experiential way to help students see connections across subjects and relate what they learn to their lives.
The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County emphasizes living life in a responsible way and serving a cause larger than oneself. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to contribute to their families, classrooms, school, and community.
The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County uses an organizational philosophy called Transformation Education 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.
Program Goals
The program is designed to meet the students IEP goals and to help them return to a less restrictive environment in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. We are committed to educating children in such a way that they:
- Communicate effectively
- Acquire a core knowledge base
- Become motivated learners
- Feel a sense of well-being
- Live responsibly and are prepared to return to a less intensive setting
Education and Curriculum
Our programs follow the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, in addition to the Prince George’s County Curriculum and the District of Columbia Learning Outcomes as appropriate. The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County enrolls students ages 5-21 in grades K-12. Students aged 10-13 who are enrolled in a non-graded Academic/ Functional Program, participate in the state assessment program according to the requirements of the student’s state/district. Students enrolled in this program are working toward a Maryland or District of Columbia High School Certificate of Program Completion. Students ages 14-21 who are enrolled in the Career Readiness Program, are also working towards a Maryland or District of Columbia High School Certificate of Program Completion. Students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in the High School Autism Program participate in the state assessment program according to the requirements of the student’s state/district, and are working toward a Maryland or District of Columbia high school diploma.
The educational program is aligned with the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and District of Columbia standards. The curriculum offerings include the core subjects – English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students enrolled in the high school diploma track program will complete approved credit bound courses by their respective district/state. The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County has enhanced this curriculum by employing an integrated curriculum through the use of project-based learning and brain-based teaching strategies. Other components of the curriculum are:
- Physical education
- Music
- Art
- Positive behavior intervention support
- Restorative practices for conflict resolution
- Social skills
- Zones of regulation
Clinical and Related Services:
- Mood and depressive disorders
- Impulsive behavior
- Learning disabilities
- Loss and attachment disorders
- Oppositional behavior
- Post-traumatic stress
- Verbally aggressive behavior
Additional Services:
- Extended School Year (ESY) services
- Transportation is available through the local education agency
- Free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch (if eligible)
School Facilities and Technology
Our school is located in the former St. John Baptist de LaSalle School building on Sargent Road (the back of the school is located on Chillum Rd.) in Chillum, Maryland. The building is equipped with 14 classrooms, five bathrooms, five multi-sensory de-escalation rooms, a library/media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, conference room, staff offices, a nursing suite, and a playground. There are also additional spaces for administrative offices and meeting areas.
Our school is equipped with desktops, ChromeBooks, and iPads for each student’s use and a SMART Board® in each classroom to foster students’ engagement and learning interests. The SMART Board® facilitates learning by engaging the students, supporting differentiated instruction, and enhancing student access to the curriculum. The educational software we provide for students makes it possible for students to learn at their own rate.
Career Readiness Program for Students Ages 14-21
Students that are in the Career Readiness Program:
- Work toward a High School Certificate of Program Completion
- Participate in the alternative assessment identified for their state/district and IEP
The focus for students ages 14-21 enrolled in the Career Readiness Program is to:
- Provide opportunities for career exploration
- Motivate learning through demonstration of academic skills in the workplace
- Build work habits, i.e., punctuality, reliability, responsibility, relating well to others, adaptability, following directions, perseverance, and initiative
- Learn more about our School to Work program
Extended School Year Program (ESY)
The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County operates an Extended School Year during the summer for eligible students. The program operates under the same organizational structure as the regular educational program.
Goals:
- To prevent the regression of critical life skills (a critical life skill is any skill, behavioral, academic, social or other, determined by the IEP team to be critical to the student’s overall educational progress)
- To maintain progress towards IEP goals on critical life skill
- To ensure that the student benefits from his/her regular educational program by continuing IEP objectives on critical life skills
- To address individualized goals and objectives identified by the IEP team
ESY Eligibility:
The Extended School Year Program (ESY) is open to all students currently enrolled at The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County, or those who may be admitted to the program and who have been determined to be eligible for ESY services, through the IEP Process. ESY eligibility and services are determined at the student’s annual IEP review meeting.
ESY Curriculum:
The ESY curriculum is consistent with the curriculum used in the regular school year program. The program includes social skills, English language arts, math, social studies, science, cultural arts, physical education, and technology. These skills are taught primarily through an experiential, project-based learning approach.
ESY Related Services:
Individual and group therapy, speech/language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, crisis intervention, psychiatric, and school nursing services plus case management and medication management are all available in the ESY program.
ESY Physical Facilities:
The ESY program is held in the school building and uses the same facilities as the regular school year program.
Additional ESY Services:
- Free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch (if eligible)
- Transportation is available through the local education agency
