Academics
The Children’s Guild’s Philosophy of Education
Our basic approach to education is that children “do as we do, not as we say.” We place a great emphasis on adult and peer modeling, to model what we would like our children to learn.
One thing we would like our students to learn is the generalization and increased independence of skills across academic, behavioral, vocational, and life skills environments. We model this through classroom-based instruction and materials, individualized programming based on the needs of the student, vocational skills training, and life skills education. Students are strongly encouraged to contribute to their family, classroom, school, and community.
In order to attend The Children’s Guild Transformation Academy, students are referred by:
- the local school system through public school’s IEP meetings
- parents/guardians, care providers, and educational advocates through the IEP team process
- and/or community-based mental health service providers through the IEP team process.
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 restrictive setting
Education and Curriculum
All programs follow the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, in addition to the Baltimore County Curriculum (Grades 1-12) and Anne Arundel County Curriculum (K). We also use the Essentials For Life Curriculum for our Vocational Programming
The curriculum offerings include the core subjects — English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. At Transformation Academy, we enhance this curriculum by focusing on independent living skills, peer interactions, Gross motor, Fine Motor, leisure activities, and activities of daily living, and job readiness skills to help them achieve their highest level of independence.
The curriculum offerings include the core subjects – English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. At Transformation Academy, we enhance this curriculum by focusing on independent living skills, activities of daily living, and job readiness skills to help them achieve their highest level of independence.
Other components of the curriculum are:
- Physical Education
- Art
- Social Skills
- Vocational Education
- Living Skills
Clinical and Related Services:
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Case Management Services
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Crisis Intervention Services
- Medication Management and Psychiatric Services
- School nursing Services
- Consultation Services
Family Services:
- Parent Education
- Referral to Community Resources
- Assistance With Transitioning Students to their next placement
Additional Services:
- On/off campus job sites and training
- Swimming at off-site location throughout the year
School Facilities and Technology
The school is on McClean Blvd in Baltimore City. The building is equipped with 6 classrooms and 4 more to open during the 2022-2023 school year. There are also additional spaces for offices, meeting areas, and additional classrooms as needed.
Our facilities include:
- A Vocational and Living Skills Training Classroom
- School Store
- Sensory Room
- Commercial Kitchen
- Cafeteria
- Gymnasium
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Leisure and Peer Relations Area
- Parent Observation Rooms
Additional Services
We offer a variety of services to support each child’s educational success including individual and group therapy, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medication management, nursing services, case management and crisis intervention services. We also offer parent education and referrals to community resources.