Can my child/family member be considered for admission if I
live outside Pennsylvania?
Yes. Melmark accepts referrals from throughout the U.S. as well as internationally.
If my child is school age and I do not have a referral from the
school system, can I still begin the admission process?
Yes. Melmark welcomes all inquiries. Families are always welcome to visit
the campus. If necessary, Melmark admissions staff will help explain the
referral process. Contact the Director of Admissions to discuss this process and/or to schedule your visit.
Do you have immediate openings?
Children and adults are admitted throughout the year. The admissions department
maintains a waiting list and fills openings depending upon the availability
of space within each program and appropriate residential options, if necessary.
How do you handle admissions when an individual requires crisis
placement?
Openings can be made available for crisis situations depending upon the
needs of the child or adult seeking placement.
Who funds placement?
Among funding sources for children are school districts and county
agencies for adults. Please contact the Director of Admissions for
specifics regarding your funding options.
What are the ages that Melmark accepts for its different programs?
Melmark accepts students 5 to 21 yearrs old for the school, and adults 21
and over for adult programs.
Once my family member is accepted for placement, how long will
it be before he/she will be admitted?
Melmark tries to make each admission a smooth transition for the child
or adult as well as the family. Depending upon receipt of all necessary
documents, funding commitment, and the need for transitional visits, the
period from acceptance to admission is relatively short.
What teaching methods do you utilize?
The Melmark School incorporates
the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) into a 24-hour learning model. In addition, students receive comprehensive
services that include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and
24-hour medical services.
Our adult programs
provide meaningful work and wellness activities, residential living options,
medical services, and a full life of social, recreational, and athletic
activities. (link to adult programs)
Is your program year round?
Yes. Melmark maintains year-round programs for children and adults.
Is there a summer program?
Current Melmark students participate in a 6-week extended school year
program (ESY) throughout the summer.
What is the staff-to-consumer ratio?
Melmark maintains a high staff to consumer ratio. Ratios vary across campus
depending upon the needs of the children and adults.
Do you provide transportation to and from your day programs?
Children enrolled in the school program obtain transportation from their
school districts. Melmark provides transportation for adults who reside
off campus in our community homes. Those adults who live at home rely
on non-Melmark transportation.
Does Melmark provide services within a child’s school district?
Yes, Melmark
Consultation Services, a multi-disciplinary staff of experienced professionals,
is uniquely positioned to offer individualized functional assessment and
treatment planning, as well as staff and parent training. We extend services
to public and private schools, human service agencies, parents, and professionals
who serve children with developmental disabilities and/or behavior disorders.
What outpatient services does Melmark provide?
The Melmark
Center for Adaptive Behavior provides assessments and treatment
recommendations for children with significant problems at school and home.
The center serves children from primarily 4 to 14 years of age. Referral
concerns include aggression, destruction, disruption, non-compliance,
self-injury, and tantrums.
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