Related Services

Counseling and Psychological Interventions

The Phoenix Center´s mental health team has school certified social workers, a school psychologist and a consulting psychiatrist. He works closely with the team and with the school nurses and behavior department to review and make recommendations about individual students. Based on the students´ IEP needs, the social workers and school psychologist provide individual and group counseling. Working closely with the Behavior Department, the counselors frequently collaboratively treat as they conduct a girls´ group, classroom social skills groups, the character crew, and anger management groups.

Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapy

The Phoenix Center employs nine full-and part-time speech/language specialists, five full-time occupational therapists, and two full time physical therapists. Each of these licensed and certified staff members has a particular area of specialty to meet the diverse needs of our students. Individual, small groups, collaborative transdisciplinary treatments with two therapists, and classroom consultation are offered.

Speech/language specialists utilize an eclectic approach to language and communication development. Areas of specialization include expertise in low and high technology augmentative/alternative communication devices, such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), oral motor development, sign language, voice, fluency, pragmatics, and literacy skills tied to the CCCS´S.

The occupational therapy program offers a comprehensive sensory integration component that is enhanced by a state-of-the-art sensory gym with ceiling suspended equipment. Sensory regulation is closely aligned to a child´s ability to attend and to his/her behavioral manifestations. The occupational therapists also use programs such as Handwriting Without Tears, Therapeutic Listening, Brain Gym, and the Wilbarger Brushing Program.

Physical therapists target areas that involve the student´s ability to maneuver throughout the school building and within the community. Therapists aim to maximize independence in the area of mobility, as well as participation in all school activities. Developing age-appropriate gross motor skills, strengthening muscles, increasing balance and coordination, and improving one´s motor planning ability are some areas addressed during therapy. When appropriate, specialized equipment, such as, adaptive seating, orthotics, crutches, and walkers are utilized to promote maximal functioning ability for all our students.

Bridge to Learning

The Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Pased (DIR) model developed by Drs. Greenspan and Wieder is the framework for assessment and intervention in the Bridge to Learning Program. This innovative model targets such areas as modulating and discriminating sensory experiences, achieving regulation through relationships, engaging in intentional two-way communication, using social interactions to problem solve and thinking imaginatively, logically, and reflectively. A primary principle of the DIR model is that relationships are the vehicle for creating learning interactions and that intervention needs to be family centered.

Health Services

A full-time certified school nurse, a part-time certified school nurse and a part-time RN provide medical services to our students and staff. They work in consultation with the schools´ consulting pediatrician and pediatric psychiatrist. Among their other responsibilities, the nurses teach health classes, manage the Center´s Emergency Evacuation Manual, and administer all medication to students. Throughout the year, they offer CPR certification and other health-related professional development workshops.

The nursing staff also works closely with the New Jersey Foundation of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities and the New Jersey Commission of the Blind.

The Reach for Good Health Program

The Reach for Good Health Program is a collaborative effort between the health, physical education, and physical therapy departments. This program includes classes designed to teach proper nutritional habits, incorporate fun fitness activities, and provide encouragement, which assist in the establishment of a healthier routine. Students are monitored on their body composition (girth measurements, weight, body mass index), medical health (heart rate, blood pressure), and fitness level (aerobic, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility) throughout the school year.

Hero Program

To bring the FISH! Philosophy to our students, we involve them in the Hero Program. To become a hero, students must demonstrate one of the four FISH! principles - choose your attitude, play, make someone´s day, and be present. Students are nominated by their teachers. Monthly, there is one winner per unit. Winners are given a certificate, photographed and displayed on our Hero Board. They also enjoy a cake and juice reception. Parents are invited to celebrate along with their children and our staff.