by The Children's Guild | Dec 28, 2023 | News, Special Education
In honor of Louise G. Goldberg, a former dedicated teacher and board member of The Children’s Guild, generous donors helped create a vocational room at The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy. The Louise G. Goldberg Vocational Room offers students pathways to skill development and job readiness, enhancing their employability and overall quality of life.
“This new space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. This space supports the social, emotional, and sensory needs of our students on the autism spectrum, empowering them to thrive,” says Vesna Grujicic, Principal of Transformation Academy.
The Vocational Room helps students acquire functional academic and living skills while developing vocational skills through job sampling on campus in simulated work environments, shadowed internships in the community, and competitive employment. Some skills students have learned in this new space include food preparation, sorting items, and cleaning.
We want to continue to create more spaces like the career center and the vocational room for students across all our schools and programs. With your support, we can ensure our students are set up to be successful in school and for the rest of their lives. Donate today: www.childrensguild.org/give
by The Children's Guild | Dec 8, 2023 | News
Mr. Rykiel and Ms. Fletcher assist students in Career and College Readiness at The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore. This program focuses on preparing students for life after high school. These incredible teachers assist our students in developing essential skills required for diverse career paths, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Mr. Rykiel emphasizes the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and work ethic, recognizing their universal importance in any job setting.
This course incorporates hands-on activities into the curriculum to provide students with a variety of learning techniques. It teaches practical skills related to specific career paths and provides students with a tangible experience of the working world. One notable example is the Bluetooth speaker that students crafted in the classroom. The excitement and enthusiasm of the students upon completing this project demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Hands-on activities not only engage the students but also allow them to see the direct application of their skills in real-world scenarios.
Ms. Fletcher, the Career Readiness, and Instructional Assistant, as well as the Transition Coordinator, collaborates with Mr. Rykiel to support students looking beyond high school. Recognizing that many students may face challenges in envisioning their future beyond the immediate context of school, she plays a crucial role in guiding them toward various post-high school paths. This includes exploring options such as trade school or college, and helping students identify and articulate their career aspirations.
One particularly rewarding aspect for both educators is witnessing the positive response from students. The enthusiasm, creativity, and communication skills demonstrated by the students indicate that the program is making a meaningful impact. Students not only enjoy the hands-on activities but also express excitement about their future careers, showcasing the success of the College and Career Readiness program at The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore. The dedication of Mr. Rykiel and Ms. Fletcher contributes to a supportive and empowering environment for students as they navigate their journey beyond high school.
Check out The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore’s YouTube Playlist to learn more about their programs and services!
by The Children's Guild | Dec 5, 2023 | Events, News
BALTIMORE, MD, December 5, 2023 – The Children’s Guild – Transformation Academy, a 12-month, non-public
separate day school based in Baltimore, MD, for students ages 5-21, whose primary diagnosis is autism, hosted Maryland Governor Wes Moore at a playground dedication ceremony. The Orokawa Foundation Playground, a brand-new outdoor sensory playground that features 25 inclusive elements that use both standard and customized components for students and caregivers to experience together, was built through a state grant and the support of the nonprofit foundation.
The event featured remarks from the Governor, community leaders, and families whose lives will be positively impacted by this transformative space.
WATCH OUR EVENT VIDEO HERE
“Approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and we are pleased we are able to provide a grant to support The Children’s Guild – Transformation Academy,” said Gov. Moore. “Our goals are to enrich student experiences and accelerate student outcomes, as well as improve the quality of education for all children in Maryland, especially those who have been historically underserved. This new inclusive playground is a wonderful example of grant money hard at work.”
“We thank the Governor for recognizing the need at The Transformation Academy and providing the funding to build a beautiful play space for our students, many whom have the most severe form of autism and require substantial support,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO, The Children’s Guild. “We also thank The Orokawa Foundation for their generosity to support this wonderful new play space which means our students have access to equipment and an environment specially designed to meet their needs.”
“Every child should experience the joy of a playground. The Orokawa Foundation is thrilled to support this amazing project which promotes sensory exploration, sparks students’ creativity, and helps them develop a passion for learning beyond the classroom,” said Samantha Cleland Manekin, Executive Director. “We are also touched by the school’s gesture of honoring our father, Bruce Cleland, in such a meaningful way.”
The playground, designed by Sparks at Play, offers collaborative, imaginative, theatrical, structured, and non-structured play. The 25 inclusive elements use both standard and custom components for students who have sensory, autism, hearing, and learning disabilities. The play function links all the components – down to the surfaces which is made of artificial turf, so students have a completely sensory and accessible experience. The Orokawa Foundation Playground embodies a holistic approach, integrating a myriad of sensory experiences that encourage exploration, interaction, and imaginative play.
“The dedication of the Orokawa Foundation Playground marks a milestone in our school’s journey toward creating spaces that are truly inclusive. This playground is not just a recreational area; it’s a symbol of our dedication to ensuring that every child in our school feels welcomed and valued,” said Vesna Grujicic, Principal of Transformation Academy. “This new play space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. This space not only fosters play but also supports the social, emotional, and sensory needs of our students on the autism spectrum, empowering them to thrive.”
The Transformation Academy provides skills and support to students and their families across a variety of settings including home, workplace, and community. The teachers and administrators provide programming to foster growth and independence for each student utilizing a collaborative team approach of highly trained professionals, including special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, transition coordinators, and therapeutic behavior aides.
The Transformation Academy is part of The Children’s Guild (TCG), founded in 1953 and celebrating its 70th anniversary. TCG is a leading MidAtlantic nonprofit organization focused on helping students and families find success socially, emotionally, educationally, and developmentally through special education and charter schools, school-based mental health services, treatment foster care, autism services, family mental and behavioral health services, and workforce development programs. Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George County, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Global Academy Global Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, Monarch Preschool College Park, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC), Treatment Foster Care, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships. For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.
