| The Extended Day Program (E.D.P.), located at the River Street School in Windsor, CT, is designed to address the learning needs of behaviorally challenged and developmentally delayed students. The E.D.P. is a companion program of the River Street School's day program and has been in operation since 1974. The program operates during all regular school days and begins at the conclusion of the regular day program session. The hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (2:30 - 7:00); Wednesday (1:15 - 7:00); and Friday (2:30 - 5:00). There is also a six week summer component available.
Children come to the school because of severe behavioral problems often associated with brain damage, retardation, severe perceptual handicaps, autism, or schizophrenia. Approximately 40% of the children enrolled in the day program are also enrolled in the afternoon program. The additional educational programming and structure they receive helps to increase skill levels and can effectively delay or deflect residential placement. The longer school day can also greatly reduce the impact the children have on the functioning of their families.
The program's curriculum emphasizes practical, functional, and individually tailored objectives focusing on student independence. Areas of instruction include early concept development, survival skills, functional life skills, basic academics, and independent living skills. Activities in the community are scheduled weekly. Each student's individual education plan and curriculum is developed by a certified special education teacher. Teaching occurs in small groups with a staff to student ratio of 1:3.
All programs are supported by a full clinical team. Support is provided in the areas of behavioral intervention, communication techniques, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adaptive recreation, and individualized teaching strategies. The assigned therapist monitors the child's progress through direct service and/or consultation with the E.D.P. staff.
In summary, students enrolled in the Extended Day Program spend an additional twenty-two hours per week in a structured setting. The program provides them with many additional training and educational opportunities which augment their regular school day programming. For many children the program has proven to be a valuable community resource, deflecting residential or institutional placement.
For questions regarding the program, please contact John Kaplan, Director of E.D.P, at River Street School:
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