Clearpool Day Program - Green Chimneys

From Intern to Mentor: The Journey of an HAI Professional

September 20, 2022

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.

Brownie

With the completion of an elaborate new habitat built by Green Chimneys’ woodshop students, the Farm Science classroom was able to welcome Brownie into her new home. Brownie previously lived alone in her cage in the farm and wildlife office, but guinea pigs do best in larger environments. The new habitat allows her to live in a herd as she would in the wild, with many places to hide and ways to practice her skills. Brownie has always been a social creature, and she has taken over the guinea pig herd but is a very peaceful leader.