PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
La Cheim Schools are non-profit, non-sectarian, non-public schools, serving Special Education students aged 6-21, and specializing in helping children with emotional and behavioral issues that prevent them from succeeding in their home schools.
Two campuses make up La Cheim Schools -Richmond and Antioch- each of which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The last review was in February 2003, with our schools earning the most positive accreditation period: six years.
Each campus is a California Department of Education-certified non-public school and a certified Day Treatment clinic operating as a unified program, with each student receiving three hours of group and milieu-based therapy daily. In addition, our MDs, RNs, and mental health specialists collaborate closely to provide medication monitoring, in-program case management, and individual and family therapy in accordance with each students Individualize Education Plan (IEP) and Treatment Plan.
Our curriculum is based on the California State Department of Education's adopted curriculum and subject content standards. All students receive core instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, the natural sciences, physical education/health, and the arts. In addition, a variety of elective courses is available throughout the year. High school students also have the opportunity to participate in vocational education, work experience, and WorkAbility.
Local school districts, special education departments, and/or county mental health departments partner with parents to refer students from all parts of the East Bay counties. Our goal is to prepare each student to succeed in their community, school, and at home. Students may reintegrate into their home public school system or graduate from La Cheim.
At La Cheim, each student is assigned to a classroom or group of ten or fewer students staffed by special education teachers, paraeducators, and mental health specialists. This multidisciplanary team works to provide education, facilitate personal growth, and address social, emotional, and behavioral issues, guided by each student's IEP.
All of our staff are PART trained and First Aid and CPR certified. Our teaching and mental health staff are supervised by experienced senior staff who possess the necessary advanced degrees and licenses. This team approach is supported by frequent inservices and trainings, as well as regular staff meetings.
In order to best serve our students, our staff maintains ongoing contact with parents and guardians, case managers, and other support providers to communicate the progress and concerns of students. Conferences are held whenever necessary to bring the students, parents/guardians, school district and county program representatives, and classroom and mental health staff together to assess progress, address crises, develop strategies, and coordinate transition plans. The provision of La Cheim's services in cooperation with the family and outside agencies and support providers has been a hallmark of La Cheim's tradition for three decades.