Program Overview - Green Chimneys

Tradition Continues Thanks to W. R. Berkley

December 20, 2018

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 homeschool 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.

Barred Owl

This barred owl fell from his nest and ended up on the ground in New Paltz, NY where he was rescued and cared for but it was quickly apparent that he was severely disfigured. He had a twisted, crooked beak, his wing feathers weren’t fully developed and one eye was shut while the other did not look as it should. This was not a bird that could be released back into the wild. Green Chimneys wildlife specialists worked with a local veterinary hospital to improve the bird’s health and determined that the owl was totally blind in one eye and 80-90% blind in the other.