The Bridges program is a cross-categorical program serving students with various disabilities. Some of these disabilities include, but are not limited to other health impairment, autism, intellectual disability,
orthopedic impairment, multiple disabilities, and developmental delay.
The school’s autism program was designed to meet the needs of students who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have needs that demand resources beyond Elim’s cross-categorical program.
The Elim Crossroads Transition Program is designed to provide instruction and experiences that will prepare students for adult life. This is accomplished through an intensive focus on individual needs that support each student’s individualized transition plan. The focus of instruction is in the core areas of vocational, communication, independent living, and recreation. Volunteering and community engagement enhances student opportunities.Services and Therapies
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
Elim’s therapists provide treatments focused on supporting the fine and gross motor needs of students. These services take place either individually, in small groups, or in the student’s academic environment based on what is written in the student’s IEP. The treatments focus on the individual and educational therapy goals of each student. The therapists also work directly with teachers and classroom staff to implement functional skills, positioning, mobility, and sensory strategies throughout the school day.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists work with teachers to implement individual communication goals. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in a total communication approach, including the use of verbal and non-verbal techniques and augmentative communication systems.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Elim’s board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) use evidence-based methods based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to equip Elim students with the skills required to meaningfully participate in their education as independently as possible. BCBAs use behavioral assessments to create individualized behavior programs to make data driven decisions regarding their effectiveness while focusing on teaching socially appropriate behaviors. BCBAs supervise registered behavior technicians (RBTs), provide staff training, develop plans and strategies, and collaborate with school staff and Elim families to promote safety and success at school and in the community.
Social Work
Our school-based Social Workers provide services to students, based on the needs identified within their IEPs. Our social workers support mental health concerns, behavior concerns, provide positive behavioral support, as well as support with academics. These services are provided in consultation with teachers, parents and administrators and may include individual and/or group counseling/therapy.
Nursing/Health Services
Elim’s nursing staff remains on-site throughout the school day to provide first-aid and emergency care. For non-emergencies, our nurses assess students for illness and injury as well as identify and manage all students’ health records. The nursing staff is responsible for administering daily medications, emergency medications, enteral feedings, and training staff on how to perform tasks that are permitted by the Nurse Practice Act to be delegated. They collaborate with administration, teachers, related service staff and paraprofessionals to ensure the best individual learning environment for each student. This includes teaching staff about a student’s diagnoses and how to best meet the student’s needs. Our nursing staff is also available for assistance, collaboration, and support of the 1:1 nurses and their students.
Our nurses also ensure compliance with national and local health policies. Part of this compliance is met by maintaining student health records, developing, and monitoring health plans, conducting hearing and vision screenings, as well as educating and training staff on state mandated topics such as diabetes, seizures, allergies, infection control and blood borne pathogens. For matters beyond general medical issues compliance is also met by following the guidance set forth by our local health department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education.
