Program Overview - Green Chimneys

Incorporating Animals and Nature Into Early Childhood Education

June 11, 2021

Program Overview

Green Chimneys School offers a fully integrated approach that includes a complete staff of educators, clinicians, social workers, therapists, farm and wildlife experts, and outdoor specialists who are trained in social skills development, behavior management techniques to assist students in self-regulation skills, and crisis prevention and intervention.

Individualized Therapeutic and Educational Services for Every Student

Green Chimneys School curriculum is structured according to each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and delivered in a comprehensive, therapeutic environment with a student-to-staff ratio of 12:1:2 or 8:1:2. The educational, physical, emotional and behavioral needs of the individual learner are considered and accommodated following comprehensive assessments. Our students are then immersed in experiences that help to identify and build upon their strengths.

Our ultimate goal is to have a child return to their family and home school district in the shortest time possible and discharge planning begins at admission.

Green Chimneys collaborates with each child’s family and home school district through the Committee on Special Education (CSE) to ensure that educational and related services goals are met, including programs to address remedial or specialized learning needs. Team members maintain open communication with families and conduct regular conferences and annual review IEP meetings.

Professional staff including certified special education teachers, social workers, psychologists, nurses, speech pathologists and occupational therapists, that is familiar with the complex needs of students in a special education setting, guide children toward making constructive choices and building upon their individual strengths, in collaboration with their families.

Mac

Crabapple Hollow Macintosh, “Mac” for short, is among the newest additions to the Green Chimneys Equine Program. Purchased in part through a generous donation from the Parent Association, Mac fulfills the need to carry larger riders in the program. He is an 11-year-old Clydesdale gelding (male) with striking white markings and long, white hair on his legs called “feathers.” Clydesdales originated in Scotland as one of the smaller draft breeds but have been bred to be taller to look more impressive in parades and shows.