What Is a Day Treatment Program and How Can It Empower Ohio Students? 

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a group of teachers sitting at a table

The Day Treatment Program at Education Alternatives combines education and therapy to give K-12 students in Ohio the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

Finding the right school for your child is about more than just academics. 

It is equally essential for your child to learn in an environment that nurtures their emotional and mental health. 

If your child is struggling in school due to mental health or behavioral challenges, the lack of support and understanding from school staff in traditional schools is enough to leave any parent feeling worried about their child’s overall well-being. 

You may have started to look for alternative education options, and are wondering what a day treatment program is and if it could be the right choice for your family?

Education Alternative’s therapeutic Day Treatment Program in Ohio is designed to bridge this gap in conventional school settings. It offers emotional and behavioral support to empower students for success in their academic endeavors and lives. 

Keep reading to learn more about what EA’s Day Treatment Program is like and the necessary steps to place your child at EA Schools. 

What is a day treatment program? 

Day treatment programs can provide comprehensive mental health services for children facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

When provided in a school setting, day treatment programs can help students who have had difficulties in traditional classrooms to learn and develop in a way that works for them.

Some common features may include:

  • small class sizes
  • personalized treatment plans
  • licensed mental health practitioners in the classroom

EA’s therapeutic Day Treatment Program

Education Alternative’s Day Treatment Program provides a unique blend of special education and mental health services to support Ohio students with advanced behavioral and emotional needs. 

This school-day program looks and feels like a “regular” school but is specifically designed to address the underlying challenges affecting students’ abilities to learn in a traditional learning setting. We aim to provide students in grades K-12 with the emotional and social skills they need to succeed.

Within this program, students will: 

  • learn to regulate their emotions and focus 
  • improve their academic outcomes 
  • practice interpersonal skills 
  • gain confidence 

So, how exactly do we do it? 

The therapeutic Day Treatment program is led by a supportive network of professionals dedicated to your child’s well-being. Our staff includes highly qualified teachers with experience in special education and mental health professionals from our sister organization, REACH Behavioral Health, who are trained in providing therapy to students with advanced behavioral and emotional needs. Guided by our teaching philosophy of unconditional positive regard, our expert staff provide personalized, compassionate education that guarantees our students’ success.

Our community

In our program, we evaluate each student’s academic and emotional needs and help them set educational and therapy goals. 

At EA, we believe in a collaborative approach to helping our students achieve these goals.  

In the classroom, our highly qualified teachers support students academically according to their personalized learning plans. Mental health professionals from REACH Behavioral Health lead daily group therapy sessions to help students learn coping mechanisms and identify emotional triggers. The director of each building oversees this comprehensive support, ensuring that your child is on the path toward success. 

Additionally, our low 1:6 staff-to-student ratio allows for more one-on-one learning opportunities to ensure your child receives personalized instruction and can stay engaged and motivated. 

Our philosophy 

Our teaching philosophy of “unconditional positive regard” fosters a supportive environment where students with emotional or behavioral challenges can flourish. 

Unconditional positive regard is the commitment to expressing support, empathy, and acceptance of an individual, no matter what they say or do. The consistent positive support that students receive from teachers, mental health professionals, and staff within our program helps them develop healthy relationships and stay motivated to achieve their goals.  

Within our day treatment program, students learn that every day is a fresh start and another opportunity to learn and grow. 

Through unconditional positive regard, students build trust with their educators and increase their self-confidence. These vital attributes will serve them well not only in their academic journey but also in life! 

Think EA’s therapeutic Day Treatment Program could be the right fit for your family? 

Keep reading for more information about placement and enrollment in EA School Ohio’s Day Treatment Program

Will my child keep the same schedule if they are enrolled in the Day Treatment Program? 

The Day Treatment Program involves two to three hours of group therapy through REACH Behavioral Health. Your child’s schedule may look slightly different than the one they follow in a traditional school. 

Exact schedules vary depending on which Ohio location your child attends. We understand the importance of social interaction and strive to provide a structured day that seamlessly blends academics and mental health while allowing socialization and fun. By prioritizing safety, predictability, and fun, we aim to support the overall well-being of our students and build trust with them.  

Does my child need to have an IEP to attend the Day Treatment Program? 

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a personalized plan for students with disabilities that details the specific education, services, and supplementary support that will be provided for your child. 

In almost all cases, students need to have an IEP or be in the process of developing one to be placed in EA’s therapeutic Day Treatment Program. 
If your child does not have an IEP yet, you can contact your school administrator to ensure they have been adequately evaluated and identified. Our team is available to support you during this process. Please get in touch with us for any questions you may have.

Can I have my son/daughter enrolled in the Day Treatment Program myself?

If your child qualifies for an IEP, you can discuss EA’s Day Treatment Program with the IEP team. This is known as a request for a separate educational facility. 

Even if your child does not qualify for an IEP, they may be eligible through our new program, EA Academy, or through scholarships for children and teens through the Jon Peterson Scholarship. To explore these options or to learn more about what the referral process is like, please fill out our contact form, and someone from our team will get back to you. 

You can also visit our website to explore our various enrollment options and learn more about how you can enroll your child in our programs. 

Here at Education Alternatives, we know that changing schools is a big decision for your child and family. That’s why our team is here to help you every step of the way. 

Our ultimate goal is to help your child succeed in school and lead a happy, healthy life.

Contact us today to see how Education Alternatives in Ohio and our therapeutic Day Treatment Program can be part of your child’s journey to success! 

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