The Benedictine School
The Benedictine School for Exceptional Children, Inc., known as The Benedictine School, is a twelve month co-ed day and residential school for individuals ages 5-21 with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism. Current enrollment capacity is 78 residential students and an additional 14 day students. We are certified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for our day program and The Department of Human Resources (DHR) which certifies our School residential program as well as our community Group Home.
The Mission of The Benedictine School is to assist individuals with disabilities in becoming as independent or semi-independent as possible; to make wise use of leisure time; and to live and work in a community setting.
The School provides services within three main categories: PDD, including our S.T.A.R.S Program; E/BD; and our Basic Program. The Benedictine School's educational program is focused on the needs of the total child and in maximizing existing strengths and decreasing weaknesses. Classroom instruction and practice is provided in the areas of reading and language arts, math, social studies/science, art, home management, leisure skills, and in the development of appropriate habits and attitudes suitable for group participation in a variety of settings. A teacher and one or more assistants employ a variety of teaching methods and behavioral techniques to assist the student in attaining goals and objectives written on their IEP. Computers are available in every classroom to assist in the learning process. Teacher-student ratio is 1:4, if a classroom assistant is available teacher-student ratio may be 1:7.
A comprehensive and well integrated educational and residential program is supplemented by special services which include:
============• =Psychological====================• =Vocational/Transition
============• =Social Work==================.===• =Speech & Language Therapy
============• =Counseling======================• =Occupational/Sensory Therapy
============• =Behavior Management=============• =Physical Therapy
============• =Psychiatric/Medication Management ==• =Assistive technology
============• =24/7 Nursing================.'====• =Computer Training
============• =Adaptive Physical Education===.=====• =Library/Art
============• =Aquatics=============• ==========• =Music
Certified special education teachers and related service staff are assisted in their efforts by teaching assistants during the day and recreational supervisors and child care workers during the evening programs. Interns from local colleges and nursing schools provide additional assistance and care.
All teaching, residential, and related service staff work together in an integrated fashion to meet the special needs of our students. Carryover of skill training and behavioral techniques into the residential program is evidenced daily. Frequent formal and informal meetings among educational and residential staff are augmented by Daily Log Records utilized in both programs.
All students, upon entry and at regular intervals, receive comprehensive assessments to assist the staff in ensuring appropriate placement and services within the program and the development of appropriate goals and objectives to best meet their needs. All services are provided within a therapeutic environment and employ consistency during all waking hours. The Benedictine School addresses the needs of the "whole person" and is oriented towards maximum independence vocationally, in community living, and towards the development of a contributing member of society.