Ages 10-14

Upper Elementary & Middle School

The Upper Elementary/Middle School Group facilitates student goals for physical and social development. Students practiced customized activities designed to increase independence at home and in school. The conductor-teacher team works with parents and children to identify the kinds of interventions needed, focusing on helping students achieve higher physical learning combined with curriculum enrichment.

The intensive program is scheduled for two sessions per year.

The Follow-Up Program runs every session, on Friday.

2024 - 2025 Intensive Sessions

Jan. 7 - Jan. 31

Session V

Option One

6 hours
/per day
Time
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Days of the Week
M - F
Length
3 weeks
Michigan Resident
$1,458
Non-Michigan Resident
$2,005

Option Two

/per day
Time
Days of the Week
M - F
Length
3 weeks
Michigan Resident
Non-Michigan Resident

Apr. 15 - May 9

Session VIII

Option One

6 hours
/per day
Time
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Days of the Week
M - F
Length
4 weeks
Michigan Resident
$1,944
Non-Michigan Resident
$2,673

Option Two

/per day
Time
Days of the Week
M - F
Length
4 weeks
Michigan Resident
Non-Michigan Resident
Upper Elementary/Middle School Follow-Up Group

Follow-Up Program Information 2024-2025

The Elementary Follow-up Group is primarily for local students who have previously participated in conductive education and are now enrolled in regular school. The Follow-Up program runs during every regular session on Friday's from 9:00am-3:00pm

MI residents $648 for four weeks, $486 for three-weeks December session.

FAQs

Answer Your Questions

Do I have to stay with my child in the classroom?

The CLC facilitates an environment for parents to learn with their child in the Caregiver and Child program, which is for the youngest children. Overall, the decision to have parents in the classroom is made by the conductor team and includes several factors, such as the age of the child and desires of the child/family.

What can I expect my child to achieve in the program?

The program works with the whole child; that is, the child’s developmental needs are addressed from a cognitive, psychological, emotional and physical perspective. After the child is assessed by a conductor, parents, the child and the conductor decide on specific goals for the child. Each child’s route and timeline toward maximum independence depends on many factors, including the support of the family, the child’s motivation, the type and severity of the disability and the age of the child. At the end of the session extensive reports are produced detailing methods and strategies used with the child. Each activity is described and photo documented. These reports are sent home for use with all caregivers involved with the child. This helps insure continuity and continuation of conductive education (CE) principles even after the child is discharged from the program.

Why does the program use a group setting?

Conductive education uses the dynamics of group interaction. This setting provides the opportunity for children to motivate and learn from each other, while in an age appropriate setting that allows social interaction.

Do I have to continue with exercises while at home?

Parents should encourage the child to use the movements learned in class that improve the everyday functioning of the child. An example of these life skills would be for parents to give the child the opportunity to use silverware when eating, instead of a parent feeding the child.

What type of disability does this program best help?

Conductive education works best with about 80-90% of the child population that has cerebral palsy, spina bifida or traumatic brain injury.

What keeps children motivated for 3 to 6 hours a day?

The program is planned daily with age appropriate academic themes and motivation techniques of repetition, music, singing, and game-like activities in a group setting. A child’s educational environment includes daily living skills of eating, toileting, putting on shoes and socks, etc. Children respond positively to these activities.

If I don’t live near Grand Rapids, can I still participate in the program?

Yes, many of our out-of-state families stay at area hotels, offering discounted rates, or find rentals using AirBnB, while their child attends a scheduled intensive session of four to eight weeks in length. Please check our Housing Options page for more information.

Success Story

KJ