Clearpool Day Program - Green Chimneys

Rescuing animals, helping children with special needs

Student and Rescued Mule Help Each Other

November 8, 2018

Clearpool Day Program

The Green Chimneys School offers an enriched academic environment with a vast array of innovative programming, including life skills, music and art, animal-assisted therapy programs, and outdoor education, all based in experiential learning. The fully integrated approach to education at Green Chimneys includes: Academics, Therapeutic Education, Clinical & Related Services and Animal & Nature Program.

Academic Program

Green Chimneys School complies with—and often exceeds—all standards and educational mandates set by New York State, and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). We follow New York State Common Core learning standards and standardized testing for all grades, modifying instruction and activities to meet the abilities of our students. Our teachers are certified special education professionals.

Therapeutic Education

Green Chimneys School academics are complemented by age-appropriate, therapeutic educational programs offered to students in all grades as part of their weekly class schedule. Many incorporate Green Chimneys’ unique nature-based approach, providing experiential learning and opportunities to develop important skills related to the care of and interaction with animals, plants and the environment.

Animal & Nature Program

Green Chimneys was founded on the belief that children will benefit from their interaction with nature and animals. As a core component of our programming for children with special needs, the main criteria for each animal’s presence are that they thrive in our care and play a supportive role in our education and animal-assisted therapy programs. Outdoor experiences and nature activities are also incorporated as a means to both educate and emotionally strengthen the children we serve.

Turkey Vulture

This turkey vulture made a surprising entrance into the world after a local resident’s dog presented her with an usually large egg. The woman planned to bring it to Green Chimneys as soon as she was able but nature had other plans, and the egg hatched! She kept the hatchling on a heating blanket and brought it to the Wildlife Center the very next day. Staff cared for the new bird by keeping it warm and closely monitoring its food intake and weight, until the vulture showed signs of healthy growth.