Listing Type : MANSEF Schools
Location : Maryland / Caroline County
County : Caroline County
Phone : 410-634-2112
Fax : 410-634-2640
Referral Contact : Julie Hickey, Education Director; Scott Evans, Executive Director; Hon Yin Eubanks, Admissions Coordinator
Disabilities Served : 01 - Intellectual Disability, 10 - Multiple Disabilities, 14 - Autism
Length of School/Program Year : 12 month
MSDE Approval Category : Type I Special Education
Capacity of Facility : 66 day or residential
Ages Served : 5 - 21
Grade Range : non-grade
Private Pay Students Accepted : Yes
Setting : Both
Before and/or After School Program : No
Nurse on-site (full or part time) : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Hours of Operation for School Day : 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Program Description : The Benedictine School is a 12-month day and residential facility for autistic, intellectually disabled, and multi-disabled children and youth, ages 5 to 21. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, the school is located on 500 acres in Caroline County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Benedictine's approach to individuals with developmental disabilities is the creation of a supportive and therapeutic environment in which to foster the development of the whole person and to assist the individual in maximizing present and potential strengths. Benedictine provides an individualized and multi-disciplinary approach with regular communication and collaboration amongst all team members – school, residential, therapists, family, local school systems, and placing agencies. The mission is "helping children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their greatest potential." This mission is achieved through educational, daily living, social and vocational tasks in classroom, residential, vocational, and community settings. Services are provided in a highly structured, highly supervised educational and residential setting. Environmental structuring of physical spaces is provided to maintain safety and includes study carrels, quiet areas, alternative learning rooms, and sensory rooms. On-site supports to assist students with behavior management and crisis intervention are integral parts of our program. Small class sizes and a high staff student ratio (1:3 or better) is provided. Learning is enhanced by the variety of settings available. These include large classrooms, therapeutic room, sensory areas, motor room, full size gymnasium, indoor pool, library/media center, updated and accessible playground and athletic fields. Career development and vocational programming are offered in several on-site and off-site stations based on the individual needs of the student. Services start with comprehensive interest and skills assessment and exposure to a variety of vocational opportunities to maximize success and opportunity. On-site options include cleaning service, food service, car-wash, greenhouse, deliveries, packaging and assembly, as well as other opportunities based on student need. Off-site options have included a variety of partnerships with community businesses on the Eastern Shore. Residential placement is available for students who need a 24 hour educational environment. Residential services and goals focus on developing and improving functional living skills, self-help skills, life skills, social skills, and communication skills. A strong emphasis is placed on consistency and carryover of learned activities including standardizing the teaching techniques of the staff in the day and residential setting. Residential calendars include 300 days up to 365 days per year. Settings include both on-campus residential suites and off-campus group homes.
Related Services : Speech, Occupational therapy, physical therapy, individual and group counseling, psychological, psychiatric, medical, home management, leisure education training, assistive technology, adaptive physical education and aquatics, vocational and pre-vocational, and transition services.