Gersh Puerto Rico - Brochure

We Change Lives LOCALIDADES: GUAYNABO 215 PR-2, Guaynabo, 00966 AGUADILLA FV84+8XW, Bo. Camaceyes Interior, Camaceyes, 00603 [email protected] | www.academiagersh.com

Kevin Gersh was inspired by one special child who struggled to succeed living with ASD. This child’s spirit sparked a realization that it was not the child who needed to change, but rather the methods that were being used to teach him. In 1991, Mr. Gersh founded Gersh Academy as a place where every student’s individuality is appreciated, encouraged and celebrated. Over the years, we have opened multiple locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico and expanded our family of programs beyond Gersh Academy. We provide each student with a comprehensive approach -from educational services, unique therapies, and resources tailored to each student. OUR VALUES HEARTH Because our hearts will always lead us in the right direction ENTREPRENEURRIAL When we aim for the stars, we always reach our full potential ACCOUNTABILITY We know it’s up to us to make a difference RESILENCE Because a smile is contagious TEAMWORK As individuals, we are special, but together we are unstoppable academiagersh.com

THE ADMIN TEAM

GERSH ACADEMY FAST FACTS Our tailored, comprehensive approach has proven to help our students succeed — well above national averages — at Gersh Academy and as they continue into adulthood. ACADEMICS Gersh Academy’s curriculum integrates developmentally appropriate concepts at each grade level. Instruction is completely individualized to each child’s learning style, specific needs and level. We estimate that over 95% of our students improve academical performance. 10% of our students come to Gersh Academy as non-verbal; of those students, 100% leave Gersh Academy communicating either verbally or via technology. 100% of students in the Gersh Summer Program exhibit academic and social progress/gains after summer session. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL 98% of our students are happy to come to school! Most of the children who come to us did not like going to school before Gersh Academy. We see a shift in this initial resistance after a short time. We have seen more than double in enrollment for the last 5 years across locations. REDUCTION IN EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION/MELTDOWNS-­ SAMPLING OF GERSH ACADEMY STUDENTS

OUR APPROACH Because we understand that every child is unique, we create individually customized programs that promote student success at school, in the community, and at home. INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS (IEPS) We work collaboratively with school districts to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and prepare students to transition back to their home schools when ready. APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) ABA is a science that involves the application of basic behavioral practices and the use of systematic data tracking methods to evaluate the efficacy of the behavioral applications used to reach a desired outcome. For example, ABA methodologies are used to facilitate the development of language, positive skills development (such as self-help), appropriate play and social behavior. ABA reduces problems like self- injurious behavior, tantrums related to transition, communication problems and self-stimulatory behavior that impede the learning process. DISCRETE TRIAL TEACHING (DTT) DTT involves breaking down skills into small sub-skills and teaching each sub-skill intensely and sequentially. DTT also uses reinforcement to help shape and maintain positive behaviors and skills. SENSORY INTEGRATION Sensory Integration is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Jean Ayres which incorporates the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile systems. This input facilitates development of the nervous system. This information is taken in by the vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems which sort and connect the information to the environment. Additionally, information is processed combining the perception of position in space, awareness of body posture and the ability to discriminate and plan motor movements. Sensory integration is most commonly used by Occupational Therapists, however many Speech and Language Pathologists and Physical Therapists are using sensory integration to enhance their treatments. COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING (CPS) CPS is an approach to understanding and helping children with behavioral challenges that was first articulated by Dr. Ross Greene in his book, The Explosive Child. The CPS model views behavioral challenges as a form of learning disability or developmental delay. CPS seeks to create fundamental changes in interactions between kids with behavioral challenges and their adult caregivers by having caregivers engage kids in solving problems collaboratively rather than by using motivational procedures.

OUR APPROACH (CONTINUED) REAL-TIME FUNCTIONAL THERAPY (RTFT) Our proprietary Real-Time Functional Therapy (RTFT) system sets Gersh apart from similar programs. By collaborating with leading experts in the fields of psychology, human behavior and learning disability sciences, we developed a philosophy and a clinical and practical methodology to address challenges as they occur in real time. In contrast to traditional approaches that leave students waiting for hours or even days for a therapy session to address an issue, RTF has proven successful in producing measurable improvement. Extended Student & Family Support Because growing up with autism involves more than just going to school, we offer additional resources to help support each student and his or her family. These include: • Social skills training (social thinking) • Professional development workshops • Parent training • Transition planning We believe that all children can thrive when given the right support in the right environment. When progress slows or challenges occur, we work collaboratively with each student to identify and remove any obstacles in their way. ”Thank you Gersh Academy for changing me! I appreciate what you’ve done. Your staff is really nice. Thank you, Mr. Gersh, for developing this school and teaching me the rules of society. Thank you, Ms. D for teaching me academics and thank you Mr. B for helping me through some rough times. Thank you very much.” – Michael, Gersh Academy Student academiagersh.com

We Change Lives

ACADEMICS It is our mission at Gersh Academy to ensure that all our students graduate with the knowledge, skills and habits needed to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, effective communicators and wise decision makers. Gersh Academy offers three distinctive programs: • Behavioral, Academic & Social Enrichment (BASE) • I Am I Can (IAIC) • Blended Program which combines students from both programs. Each program focuses on academics, social skills/social thinking, life skills and vocational experiences. In addition, clinical related services in the areas of motor skills, language skills and behavioral development are a vital part of each program. BEHAVIORAL, ACADEMIC & SOCIAL ENRICHMENT (BASE) The BASE (Behavioral, Academic & Social Enrichment) Program focuses on functional academics and life skills to build independence in each child. I AM I CAN (IAIC) The I Am I Can (IAIC) Program uniquely combines academics with an emphasis on social thinking and vocational or post-secondary opportunities. The IAIC program follows NY State Common Core standards to ensure that students will be prepared for state assessments, Regents exams, SATs, the college experience and/or life outside the classroom. Although the approach is individualized, students learn the same curriculum in the same scope and sequence as they would if they were in their home school district. BLENDED PROGRAM The Blended Program is a combination of IAIC and BASE instructional practices. Each student’s academic and vocational goals are identified and customized programs/ instruction are developed on an individual basis to ensure success. ”Since our son has been at Gersh Academy he has not only excelled academically but gained socially. He was able to make interpersonal relationships with peers; he became his own little rock star there. The gains he’s made at Gersh Academy have far exceeded our expectations so much so that our son graduated with an acceptance to Mitchell College!” – Kathleen, Parent academiagersh.com

We Change Lives Ages: 5-21 215 Carr. #2 Villa Caparra, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico FV84+8XW, Bo. Camaceyes Interior, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico [email protected] www.academiagersh.com 787-200-8684