Over the past six months, the Children’s Guild— Transformation Academy has become a thriving environment for dozens of students ages 5-21 whose primary diagnosis is autism, and many who have co-existing diagnoses of sensory processing disorder, a specific learning disability, health impairment or multiple disabilities. During the month of April, which is officially Autism Awareness Month, The Children’s Guild— Transformation Academy will highlight the integrated approach they take in educating and providing individualized instruction in the areas of academics, behavior, social skills, and life skills to meet the needs of neurodiverse individuals.
“We identified a need in our community and since we opened the Transformation Academy just six months ago, we have been able to provide skills and support to students and their families across a variety of settings including home, workplace, and community,” said Mark Rapaport, Managing Director of Autism Services, The Children’s Guild— Transformation Academy. “We 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.”
For students with a severe autism diagnosis, the Transformation Academy works with local school systems to find a supportive placement. During the month of April, The Children’s Guild— Transformation Academy is open for tours with faculty for families to talk to the experts to learn about the wraparound services provided and how to advocate for a child with their educational team. For information visit https://childrensguildschools.org/transformation-academy/.
The Transformation Academy is part of The Children’s Guild, whose mission is to provide individualized transformational experiences to ensure children, families, and communities thrive. The non-profit organization envisions generations of curious and courageous children, healthy families, and thriving communities. Schools and programs include The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, Baltimore Campus, and Prince George’s County Campus; The Monarch Academy public charter and contract schools with campuses’ in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and Laurel; Monarch Preschool College Park; Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Foster Care, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships. For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.
