Sherwood provides Special Education Services and Adult Services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities.
The Special Education Program (SPED) is a school program for students, ages 5-21, who are referred to Sherwood by their public school district when a specialized school environment is recommended for their success. Each student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that identifies individual goals and objectives. Transportation is provided by the student’s school district.
The program operates 220 days a year, including an eight-week extended school year during the summer. Services are provided in a small staff to student ratio (1:1 to 1:6) determined by the level of behavior support needed. During the regular school year, the program operates Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 2:30pm. During the extended school year (summer), the program operates Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 1:30pm.
For students who qualify, services are funded through public school districts. Private Pay is also available.
Program Emphasis
- Activities of Daily Living
- Behavior Modification
- Functional Academics
- Music Therapy
- Nutrition and Exercise
- Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Vocational Skills
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Social Skills
Community Based Instruction
Community Based Instruction is a vital activity of the Special Education curriculum. Students go on weekly outings into the community where they practice skills learned in the classroom such as shopping, money skills, community safety, and appropriate behavior during activities such as going to a restaurant, bowling, visiting parks, local exhibits or other places. Repeated exposure helps students learn appropriate social skills needed to participate in the community.
Transition Planning
Transition Planning is an important service as our students get older (ages 16-21). We assist them and their families to prepare for new environments and ultimately transition into adult life. Students in their third and fourth year of high school are able to work with vocational rehabilitation service organizations to explore career aptitudes and interests. Every high school student has a written Transition Plan which addresses education, employment, and independent living.
Sherwood’s Adult Day Services provides services for adults, 18 and older, who have been referred by their school district or the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Services are provided both on and off-site in a small staff to participant ratio (1:1 to 1:6) depending on the needs of the individual. Each participant has an Individual Support Plan (ISP) that determines the services that will be provided to help them meet their goals.
For individuals who qualify, services are funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Private pay is also available at the same rate.
Program Highlights
The program provides a strong emphasis on community involvement, independent living skills, and prevocational activities. Through participation in group and independent skill-building activities, participants are given the opportunity to increase skills in the following areas:
- Accessing Public
- Transportation
- Activities of Daily Living
- Communication
- Community Safety
- Computer Skills
- Following Directions
- Self-Advocacy
The Day Services program also provides Volunteer Opportunities at non-profit partner organizations in the Greater Kansas City area where consumers can reinforce communication skills and explore new interests.
Sherwood’s Supported Employment Services serves adults, 18 and older, who have been referred by their school district or the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Services are provided both on and off-site in a small staff to participant ratio (1:1 to 1:6).
The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm, 260 days per year. Additional hours are available based on need.
For individuals who qualify, services are funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Private pay is also available. Additional funding options may be available.
Program Highlights
The goal of Supported Employment is to provide job seekers living with developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop their own unique skills and talents. We achieve this by providing the following services:
Career Planning
Using a carefully constructed series of informational interviews, job exploration, interest and job skills assessments, Sherwood’s Employment Specialists help plan an individual path to employment.
Job Development
Once the path to employment is clear, our team helps the job seeker begin their journey towards successful employment. Our team helps a job seeker create a resume, fill out applications, sharpen interviewing skills, participate in job shadowing, and negotiate with prospective employers to help secure a job that is right for them.
Supported Employment
After the job is accepted and a job seeker is ready to start his or her career, our team continues their support by providing job coaching to ensure the new hire stays on track. These activities include but are not limited to developing work-related skills, navigating social interactions on the job, developing strategies to promote prompt attendance and job retention skills.
Pre-Vocational Services
Prevocational services are available for individuals who want some time to practice their skills before entering the job market. This program focuses on the skills necessary for employment in any industry. This may include but is not limited to specific skill building, volunteer experiences, job shadowing and informational interviewing. These activities take place in individual and group settings.
