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Holy Childhood offers comprehensive and therapeutic services to a maximum of 120 students, ages 5-21 in the School Program. Students are transported from more than 40 regional school districts from Monroe and the six-county surrounding region. Full-day special education instruction is based on each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Classrooms are 8:1:3 across all grade levels. Instruction includes emphasis on literacy, math, science, social, activities of daily living, Work-Based Learning, music, art, adaptive physical education and transition training.
Referrals are made by school district officials (CSE). Students must go through an Intake Process which consists of a tour, application, review of records and observations. Initial referrals should be made directly to the School Program Director, who works directly with an Intake Committee.
The School Program works directly with the Helen H. Heller Clinic, which provides and/or contracts for the related service needs of the students. In addition to academics, the curriculum addresses cognitive and language skills, fine motor skills, social/behavioral skills and self-help skills. The program focuses on teaching students the skills they will need in order to transition from school to adulthood, helping them to prepare for college, work or other programs.
Students attend vocational classes within the agency and are able to "intern" at jobs within the agency and out in the community with the assistance of a job coach. Individual schedules are developed based on the needs and interests of each student.
Community Classroom (18-21)
Holy Childhood's two Community Classrooms are community-based learning environments (8:1:3 classrooms) located at the Genesee Valley Regional Market on Jefferson Road in Henrietta, where students ages 18-21 learn job readiness skills in the classroom and then apply them through ongoing internships at a number of businesses located within Monroe County. For more information, please call 585-355-4726. email Josh Miles email Tom Pink
Learn more about the Practical Assessment Exploration System
Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program
Holy Childhood’s Work-Based Learning Program serves our School Program students, ages 16-21. The staff includes a dedicated coordinator and four job coaches. Students receive in-school instruction in addition to off-site work experiences throughout the Rochester community. Holy Childhood’s Work- Based Learning Program offers students a chance to extend their classroom experiences into a real life workplace setting, working alongside non-disabled employees.
Respite Programs
Holy Childhood offers recreational and socialization opportunities after school and during school breaks for both students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Childhood Respite Programs offer a variety of activities on-site and within the community throughout the year.
Out & About is an extracurricular recreational program that allows Holy Childhood adults and students, who are medicaid-waivered and ages 14 and older, to broaden their recreational and social skills and knowledge. Out and About takes place after school from 2:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Outings offer inclusion, socialization and a lot of fun out in the community! For more information about Out and About, please contact Tim Baird at 585-359-3710, ext. 168 or email Tim Baird here.
Around the Town is an after school program for both school program students and adults. The program provides an opportunity for people to go out into the community in smaller groups. It is held once a week from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the school year. Participants take part in new activities, learn about resources that are available to them and meet new people. It’s also an opportunity to socialize and have fun with school friends while offering parents and families a brief respite. Outings include: tours, sports clinics with area schools and sports teams, an annual fishing outing with the DEC, bowling, restaurants, movies and more. For more information about Around the Town, please contact Tim Baird at 585-359-3710, ext. 168 or email Tim Baird here.
Teen Social takes place at the Holy Childhood campus from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. once a month. Activities include: create your own musical instrument with the Eastman School of Music, a visit from the Zoo mobile, arts and craft projects and the annual Holiday Hop. For more information about Teen Social, please contact Tim Baird at 585-359-3710, ext. 168 or or email Tim Baird here.
Respite trips are organized for Holy Childhood adults several times each year. Trips usually include weekend getaways to area parks and planned recreational activities such as movies, games and hikes. For more information about Respite Trips, please contact Tim Baird at 585-359-3710, ext. 168 or or email Tim Baird here.
Respite Camp is available for students ages 5-21. Each camp has a specific theme and corresponding activities, including: science experiments, craft projects, motor activities and much more. Camp attendees must be receiving OPWDD services to be eligible.
Camp runs 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day that it is in session.
As a reminder, to be eligible for respite camp, attendees must be receiving OPWDD services.
After School Respite
After School Respite is available after school, on weekdays, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for students ages 5-21 from any school district. The schedule includes: game time, motor activities, group games, free choice and more!
Please note: Holy Childhood does not provide transportation for Respite Camp or After School Respite.
For more information about Respite Camp and After School Respite, please contact Megan Mihevc at 585-359-3710, ext. 173 or email Megan here.