11 classrooms, 6 therapy departments including a clinic, a handful of offices, 90-something team members, and more than 100 students and their families – clearly there’s no ONE story here at Crossroads Center for Children. Indeed we have a myriad of stories, which are woven together and grow to make a whole series all with a common theme of learning skills that are socially significant in the world we are in.
We understand that the work we do can be challenging at times, but we are dedicated to helping the kids we serve reach their full potential. Every child is unique, and we recognize that their progress may not always be linear or immediate. However, we believe that with our highly individualized programming, combined with patience, persistence, and compassion we can make a real difference in their lives. We are committed to providing the highest quality care and services, and we are constantly working to improve and innovate. Our passion for helping kids is what drives us every day, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives.
This blog spot covers all sorts of stories of learning from around the building. We’ll show you groups and one-to-one sessions here, and you’ll get to know us.
Bender’s Butterfly Science. 5.31.24
As much as individual programs are important for our students, so are school-wide programs that connect the kids to others and give them access to learning that is typically experienced by their public school counterparts.
Like lifecycles for example. Like BUTTERFLY lifecycles to be specific.
This is the 4th consecutive year that we have had a school-wide butterfly unit here at Crossroads, thanks to grant support from the Bender Science Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. While previously, there were individual classrooms that engaged in the project of raising butterflies from caterpillars in different years, this partner has made it possible for all of our classes and clinic to enjoy this incredible project. So, again this year, each class and the clinic got a container of caterpillars, which they were able to observe and learn about as they ate and grew, formed chrysalises and finally emerged as beautiful painted lady butterflies. After a period of at least 3 days to watch them in their habitat tents with fresh fruit to eat, the butterflies are released in our butterfly garden, and our young learners are always amazed to see them fly. This year’s class of Bender butterflies is in progress. Some are still in the caterpillar stage, while others have already been released. Enjoy the pictures, which will be added to here.
You might recall that a few weeks back, with the help of volunteers from DEC, we relocated most of our butterfly garden, “Bender’s Butterfly Science Garden,” to our new site, while planting was in season. However, we did leave some of the plants here at N. Westcott for this year’s release.
Bender’s Butterflies will fly again!
Working with Money. 4.16.24
Room 11’s Cady and “V” are practicing money skills in a generalized environment – the Snack Bar. V is required to name the coin and its value and decide if his money is enough for his desired snack selections. This is a functional way to generalize an important life skill.
Healthy Food Program. More than just healthy food! 3.13.24
Room 13 & 14 have been teaming up for their Healthy Food Program, and their activities are always fun, interesting, and helpful in their students’ acceptance and trying of new foods. In line with a March St. Patty’s theme, they recently made shamrock shakes, using simple ingredients and one loud blender. This project addressed aversions to temperature, texture, and also to loud sounds. For some students getting used to a non-preference is a big part of the process before tolerating or trying it. This activity, while challenging for some, was a hit with some of the friends in the group.
Watering plants. 2.26.24
In a delightful scene, N and J crouch on the floor with care, tending to plants brought down to create a miniature garden, infusing their day with a touch of nature and nurturing a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. They also trade tools (spray bottle and squirt bottle) halfway through the job, upon request, giving their social skills good practice.
Jobs such as this at school teach valuable life skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and empower students to contribute meaningfully to their community.
We made ice cream using an ice cream ball during large group! Everybody was super engaged and learned about concepts like liquid and solid. It also helps work on turn-taking.
Ice Cream for Healthy Food Program! 1.29.2024
Making your own ice cream can potentially offer health benefits for children compared to store-bought options. Here are a few considerations:
Control over Ingredients: When making homemade ice cream, you can control the ingredients. You can choose high-quality, fresh, and organic ingredients, avoiding artificial additives, excessive sugars, and preservatives that are commonly found in some commercial ice creams.
Customization: Homemade ice cream allows you to customize it according to your own experimenting and tastes. Trying different types of milk, sweeteners, and flavors allows you to cater to specific dietary needs or preferences.
Portion Control: Making ice cream at home allows you to control portion sizes. This can help in managing the amount of sugar and calories consumed by children. You can serve smaller portions or choose healthier toppings and mix-ins.
Educational Opportunity: Involving children in the process of making ice cream can be educational. They can learn about the ingredients, the science behind freezing, and even some basic cooking skills. This hands-on experience can encourage a greater appreciation for the food they consume.
Freshness: Homemade ice cream is usually made with fresh ingredients, maybe providing added flavor.
While homemade ice cream can offer these benefits, it’s essential to remember that moderation is key. Even when using healthier ingredients, ice cream is a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, individual health considerations and dietary restrictions should be taken into account when preparing homemade treats for children.
Room 5 made their own ice cream recently as a Healthy Food Program activity. They enjoyed the benefits above as well as some social skills!
Waterplay Fun in AfterCare 1/26/24
In our daycare, children reveled in water, bubbles, and color play on a magical mat that changes hues with touch. Witnessing such focused engagement from these young learners was truly a sight to behold!
Past posts:
What does it mean to live a good life? A full life? 1/4/2024
The start of a new year is a great time to consider and reflect on our purpose in our work. We give pause to the question of what is meant by the idea of living a good and full life.
Is it being able to work? To contribute to something meaningful? Is it being able to enjoy relationships? Engage in activities that bring joy. It is about being independent and not having to rely on others for self-care and getting to the things we want to get to? Is it some of all of these things and more?
At Crossroads, every day, children are learning to overcome their present limitations and access the road to their best, fullest lives. Learning the processes that they work on with their therapists and teachers, they are developing the very skills that will help them achieve their personal best in their lives with their families and communities, now and in their futures.
Whether learning to use stairs or to mand on a communication device. Whether writing a letter to a loved one or naming the letter Aa. Whether asking for a break or stating a present emotion, our students are gaining what they need to throw open the doors to their futures.
Individualized Education | 11.1.23
Step into Room 14, and see the impact of individualized programming. Here, a remarkable group of kindergarten and first-grade students embark on a learning journey together but with individualized tracks. The classroom is alive with activity, as each child diligently tackles their unique tasks, and the ratio of teacher-to-student attention is nothing short of extraordinary.
In this welcoming and supportive setting, every child’s needs are met with precision and care. The teachers, with their unwavering dedication, provide constant support, adapting to each student’s pace, strengths, and challenges. It’s a symphony of one-on-one attention, where personalized education takes center stage.
A Budding Artist | 10.17.23
In Room 13, a young boy “A” has embarked on a journey of creativity and self-expression that goes beyond the ordinary. Not only has he mastered the art of writing his name and the alphabet, but he has also blossomed into a budding artist.
Using dry-erase markers and board, and his iPad, he’s been creating drawings from his memory. This young artist has discovered the transformative power of drawing, and his team is excited to see him coming out of his shell through his new-found talent.
A Space for Solace | 10.6.23
In the hustle and bustle of the classroom, there’s a special corner in the hallway where K, a Room 11 student has found an occasional oasis. After a thoughtful request to work in a quieter spot, she gets started on the carpeted floor, away from the noise of her peers. K’s determination and resilience are visible as she tackles her work with a smile.
More frequently, K works in her classroom and joins in groups with enjoyment. Yet, there are times of course when the classroom gets noisy, and she has learned to ask for what she needs. This is a great thing for any of our students to learn.
In the more tranquil hallway, she’s found the perfect environment to focus on her tasks, and the carpet beneath her feet seems to absorb not only the noise but also any obstacles in her way. Her ability to self-advocate for the ideal learning space is a testament to her growing self-awareness and communication skills.
As she happily engages in her work, she even takes a moment to flash a delightful “cheese” when approached for a picture, showcasing her growing confidence and comfort in her educational journey.
Individualized Work Sessions | 9.12.23
Imagine a typical morning in Room 12. The air carries a sense of purpose as students sit with educators for their individualized work sessions.
In this room, like others at Crossroads, magic happens through a method known as discrete trial instruction, a teaching strategy that has proven to be a game-changer for children, especially those who are diagnosed with autism. It’s like breaking down a complex puzzle into smaller, more manageable pieces.
The teaching team knows that, for these students, this is not just another lesson but a chance to conquer skills they’ve been working on tirelessly. Work buckets are filled with colorful, interesting materials that are created individually for each child. Powerful reinforcers are present, encouraging students to stick with the work; each child working for something different, something he or she has chosen to work for. Binders are open, and filled with meticulously detailed goals and data sheets. They are treasure troves of progress, capturing the milestones each child has achieved and those still being worked on. Every session is a symphony of patience and dedication by both students and educators alike.
But what makes this method truly remarkable is the gradual transition from one-to-one instruction to the broader world. As a student’s confidence and accuracy grow, his skill isn’t just confined to this room. It’s generalized. First, it’s a different setting – maybe the playground or a hallway. Then, it’s a new face delivering the instruction, like another staff member in the building, or even a peer, or a visitor. The skill becomes a part of the child’s daily life, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of his experiences.
In the background, the team meets regularly, analyzing data and tweaking the sets and steps to ensure that progress is tailored to the unique needs of the students. It’s a labor of love and commitment, a testament to the unwavering belief that every child can shine.
So, here in room 12, amidst colorful buckets, binders filled with dreams, and the resilience of children like these, the magic of discrete trial instruction unfolds. It’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about empowering children to conquer their world, one step at a time.
Pairing and Playing | 9.7.23
It’s the first week of school, and many children are new to Crossroads, many are new to school at all. Imagine going to a place you’ve never been, or maybe just once or twice. Imagine not having words, not knowing a single soul, not understanding what is happening in your day. You might feel overwhelmed with fear, worry, or sadness. If you did, you wouldn’t be alone.
While many of our students came in yesterday excited and happy to return to beloved teachers and friends, many others are new here. Almost all are in new classrooms and with at least some new adults and peers. It is a usually high-stress time for our kiddos.
That’s why the first days are spent playing and pairing. Children find things they enjoy and learn to pair those items and activities with the people in the room. Soon teachers will increase the level of the requests made to students, and offer those highly interesting objects and activities as reinforcers, so that work on goals can begin. For now, the focus is on facilitating a transition to all that is new, in a palatable way.
Here are some pictures from the first few days of our Fall Session!
