The Child and Relationship Empowerment Program (CARE)

The CARE program provides a therapeutic setting to address the academic and mental health needs of children, ages six through ten years old. A psychiatric recommendation is required for placement. The primary goal of the program is to enhance the psychological well-being of students who experience such emotional stress and disequilibrium that they are unable to adjust to the demands and situations in a regular school setting.

Why choose the CARE program?

Childhood can be an extremely difficult time for children who have been clinically diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The CARE program specializes in helping these children gain the skills they need to return to and succeed in a regular school setting.

What is the CARE program?

The CARE program is a school-based, partial hospitalization program that provides a clinical and alternative education environment for children, ages six through ten years old, who have been diagnosed with a significant mental health disorder, such as a oppositional defiant disorder, a conduct disorder, a mood disorder, an anxiety disorder and/or an attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

What are the goals of the CARE program?

To decrease the need for more restrictive levels of intervention.

To enhance a child’s self-awareness and the ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
To assist and support children in developing personal strategies for success.
To enable children to return to a regular school environment.

How does the CARE program achieve its goals?

The program strives to achieve its goals by providing therapeutic, educational and family services.

Cognitive behavioral approach
Individual therapy & treatment planning
Psycho-social group education
Group therapy
Psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring
Psychological assessments
Transition planning
Behavior management system (point and incentive systems)
Family intervention
Educational Services
Regular and special education programs
Pennsylvania standards requirements
Modified curriculum for individualized education plans (IEP)
Core curriculum (language arts, mathematics, social studies, science)
Supplemental courses (gym, art, etc.)

To whom does the CARE program provide services?

CARE program services are available to children ages six through ten years old who reside in Chester County and who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

How does a student access CARE program services?

Referrals are accepted from parents, school personnel and mental health professionals. To refer a child or to schedule an intake evaluation, please call 484-237-6006 or e-mail Sue Lombardi.

Who provides the services?

Services are provided by the following professionals:

Clinical supervisor
Clinical staff therapists
Child psychiatrists
Licensed social workers
Pennsylvania state-certified regular and special education teachers

When does the program operate?

The program operates year-round, Monday through Friday. However, during the summer, CARE provides therapeutic services only.

Extended School Year (ESY) 2008

The Extended School Year (ESY) program is scheduled for Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., beginning Monday, June 30 through Thursday, August 14, 2008. The ESY program offers therapeutic and academic support, as well as community field trips. One day each week students will take a field trip to Marsh Creek State Park to swim, and one other day during the week students will enjoy other activities, such as: ice skating, movies, local parks, museums, and family fun centers. Information and related paperwork regarding the ESY program will be sent home towards the end of the school year.