The Children’s School will serve up to 119 children in kindergarten through eighth grade and is specifically designed to seamlessly integrate academic curriculum with best practice behavioral health to meet the unique needs of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related challenges.
This unique program was founded in the school-based behavioral health program developed at the Child Development Center (CDC) at University of California, Irvine (UCI) over the past 35 years. The Children’s School will establish this program as an independent, non-profit institution in the community.
The Children’s School will be guided by a Scientific Advisory Board led by Sabrina Schuck, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at University of California, Irvine, who is responsible for training and program development at The Children’s School, along with a team of renowned child development scholars and practitioners, including;
- Maryam Abdullah, Ph.D., parenting editor, The Center for the Greater Good, University of California, Berkeley
- John Brady, Ph.D., professor emeritus of education, Chapman University
- Wendy Goldberg, Ph.D., professor emerita of psychological science, University of California, Irvine
- Ron Kotkin, Ph.D., clinical professor emeritus of pediatrics, University of California, Irvine
- Matt Koury, M.D., M.P.H. child & adolescent psychiatrist and founder, The Mind Health Institute
- Kimberley Lakes, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience, University of California, Riverside
- Marc Lerner, M.D., developmental pediatrician and clinical professor emeritus, University of California, Irvine
The Children’s School has raised more than $800,000 of their $1 million goal from generous community supporters including Tori Smith, the Allison family, Martha and Jim Newkirk, Stephanie Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation, The Tsao Family Foundation, Elizabeth and Jeff Phelan, the Steinmann family, Marci and Marc Surfas, Cambria and Jack Cline, the Ascher Charitable Foundation, Kaira and Congressman Harley Rouda, Maura and Steve Short, Chris and Scott Woodburn, The Servino Family, and others.
“As a parent, I saw the program transform my son in terms of improving his ability to succeed in a school environment and have good interpersonal relationships,” said David Allison, president of The Children’s School. “The quality of his life and our whole family’s life was greatly enhanced. Over the years, I’ve spoken with many other parents who shared a similar experience. A group of us came together to keep the program going as an independent institution for the benefit of local families in the future.”
The 13,778 square-foot school is scheduled to open in September 2019 at 3400 Michelson Drive, suite 200 Irvine, Calif., providing an easy-to-access, freeway-close location from surrounding areas.
The Children’s School adheres to Common Core State Standards coupled with evidence-based behavioral intervention provided by specially trained paraprofessional specialists and licensed behavioral health professionals. The school emphasizes self-regulation, self-awareness, productivity, and relational skills in a small class setting (approximately 15 students with a 5:1 student/faculty ratio). Parents participate in continuous parent education and seminars aimed to support consistency between home and school.
“The Children’s School provides a comprehensive intervention for children who need cognitive-behavioral training in a nurturing educational environment,” said Dr. Schuck. “This program integrates academic, social and behavioral learning, and offers a comprehensive approach to providing the fundamental skills that prepare children for a lifetime of success. I have seen first-hand the accomplishments these students have achieved. We now have alumni in their thirties who are absolutely flourishing in life and it is imperative that this program continues to be a resource for families in our local communities.”
The Children’s School is currently offering Preview Sessions, presented by Dr. Schuck. All presentations will be held on Wednesdays at the new campus. To learn more about the new campus, program details, tuition, and admissions, visit www.thechildrensschool.net to register to attend a Preview Session.
The Children’s School is actively recruiting candidates and selecting faculty for the 2019-20 school year. The Children’s School is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For additional information, to make a tax-deductible donation, or apply online, please visit www.thechildrensschool.net or contact the school at info@thechildrensschool.net or 949-522-1754.
About The Children’s School:
The Children’s School transforms the lives of children in kindergarten through eighth grades. The school integrates comprehensive social skills training and applied behavior analysis strategies into the daily curriculum in addition to teaching academics within a student-centered learning environment.
Led by nationally recognized pioneers and innovators with extensive experience in behavioral health, The Children’s School is at the very forefront of science and education’s dynamic efforts to empower students with ADHD and related executive function challenges. Building on the 35-year history of this unique program at the University of California, Irvine, The Children’s School is opening a new campus in Irvine, Calif. in September 2019. The Children’s School is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
This article was released by The Children’s School.