The Elim Bridges program provides educational and therapeutic services to children who can have a broad range of gifts and needs. Elim works with parents and professional educators to determine the best mix of services, program opportunities, and other interventions to support the educational goals of each student in Bridges. The program meets the needs of early-childhood up to high-school aged individuals.
The Elim Pathways program is specifically designed to identify and grow the particular gifts of students with autism, as well as assisting them in working with the challenges and difficulties that can be associated with an autism diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on small classrooms and individualized attention, with a special focus on community-based education and integration activities that will prepare students for life beyond the classroom and the home.
The Elim Crossroads program is designed to prepare students for the stage in their lives. For many students, the prospect of graduation comes with concerns about jobs, residential placements, work and social skills, living skills, and more. Crossroads staff collaborate with each other and with parents to identify clear goals in every area in order to best lay the groundwork for a post-graduate life of purpose and service. Services and Therapies
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
Elim’ s therapists provide treatments focused on supporting the students in their academic environment, as well as meeting their individual and educationally based therapy goals. The therapists work directly with teachers and classroom staff in order 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 (up to 60 minutes per week). 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.
Behavior Management
Behavioral therapists provide services to Elim staff, students, and families, addressing behaviors that interfere with the quality of a student’s education.
Counseling
Full-time staff implement the individual minutes indicated on each student’s IEP (up to 60 minutes per week). Individual counseling is also available as needed. A parent support group meets monthly during the school year.
Hot Lunches
Students may receive hot lunches, or milk only, for a monthly fee. Meals meet all nutritional requirements and are provided by Country House Restaurant in Alsip, Illinois. Most special diets can be accommodated with a doctor’s order.
Nursing/Health Services
Elim’ s full-time nursing staff oversees distribution of medications to students, helps parents evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral and seizure medications, and assesses possible illness or injury.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology improves the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. At Elim, it is an essential component in meeting the IEP goals of our students. These goals include academic, communication, and daily living skills. Our Technology Coordinater works with students, teachers, support staff, and parents to maximize potential in each area.
Extra-Curricular Activities
A variety of extra-curricular activities are available, including choir, athletic teams that compete with other schools and in Special Olympics, and social activities throughout the school year. The Alexander DeJong Center for Special Education at Trinity Christian College sponsors a number of parties, dances, and other activities for Elim students, parents, and staff.
