Melmark Pennsylvania accepts referral packets for admission from the student’s school district, student or adult’s managed-care company, supports coordination unit, or other public entity.

Admissions and program tour information may be obtained by completing the Admissions Request Form.

Referral packets are reviewed promptly to determine if the applicant is appropriate for our program and if an opening exists in his or her age range and profile. If the applicant is deemed appropriate for a potential opening, the application process will begin and the applicant is evaluated in person. If all applicable requirements are met, the applicant may be accepted. If an opening is not available, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list pending an appropriate opening. If the placement is not appropriate, the referral source will be notified.

Melmark Pennsylvania serves children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury, intellectual or developmental disabilities with behavioral challenges. The children’s day school and residential programs serve individuals, five to 21, for The Melmark School.

Due to the unique needs of the children we serve, tours of the school are only offered for active referrals. Others interested in learning more about the Children’s Services are welcome to attend an information session which is generally held on the second Monday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The presentation includes an overview of our services and program resources, and a question and answer period. To register for a scheduled information session, please contact the Admissions Department.

Depending upon receipt of all necessary documents, funding commitment and available program openings, the period from acceptance to admission varies, based on a number of factors. We work with families and funding sources to make each admission a smooth transition for the child, as well as the family or caregiver.

The Melmark School utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis and all its evidence-based interventions across our day and residential school settings. IEPs for children are predicated on the use of ABA methodology. Students may receive comprehensive services that may include integrated physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, and 24-hour on-campus nursing services.

Melmark Pennsylvania maintains a year-round program, which includes a six-week extended year program for students enrolled in The Melmark School.

Children enrolled in the school program obtain transportation from their school districts, or in some cases, are transported by their families.

Melmark Pennsylvania maintains a high staff-to-student program ratio beginning at 1:2. We provide intensive staffing when clinically warranted. All staffing and support ratios are individualized to the specific needs of a child and may vary across the program setting depending upon the needs of the children served.

Among funding sources for children are school districts, behavioral health managed care organizations and other limited public funding sources. Currently, Melmark Pennsylvania does not accept out-of-state Medicaid. Commercial insurance or individual policies may be limited. Please contact the Director of Admissions and Family Services for specifics regarding your funding options.

The Melmark School offers a rolling admissions process. The Admissions Department maintains a referral list and fills openings depending upon the availability of space within each program and appropriate residential options, if necessary.

Yes. Melmark Pennsylvania welcomes all inquiries. Contact the Director of Admissions and Family Services to discuss this process and/or to reserve your place at an information session.

Yes. Melmark Pennsylvania accepts referrals from school districts throughout the United States.

Once an opening is identified for a candidate based on current enrollment, staffing, and clinical requirements, the screening process can begin with an initial visit and tour of the program. An application packet is completed and returned, and a screening is scheduled, which includes the child, family, and representatives from Melmark’s Education, Healthcare, Rehab Services, and Residential (if applicable) Departments. Melmark Pennsylvania provides families with a detailed family handbook that outlines parameters and expectations between Melmark and the individual’s family. The handbook also includes consents and acknowledgments for the provision of services, as well as pre-admissions requirements.

Melmark Pennsylvania serves adults, age 21 and older, with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury, or intellectual or developmental disability. However, some young adults may be admitted at an earlier age to participate in a transitional vocational program that may be funded through a school district.

There are various funding sources that are available to families, such as Medicaid waiver funding and ICF/ID funding. Melmark Pennsylvania also accepts private funding for adult programs and services.

Melmark Pennsylvania maintains a high staff-to-individual ratio. Ratios vary across programs, depending upon the needs of the adult. Specific staffing ratios are reviewed as part of the admissions process and are periodically evaluated after admission.

Yes. Melmark Pennsylvania accepts referrals from throughout the United States. Please note that Melmark does not accept out-of-state Medicaid at this time.

Depending upon receipt of all necessary documents, funding commitment and available program openings, the period from acceptance to admission varies, based on a number of factors. We work with families and funding sources to make each admission a smooth transition for the adult, as well as for the family or caregiver.

Yes. Melmark Pennsylvania maintains year-round programs for adults.

Once an opening is identified, the screening/application process can begin with a tour of the program to determine if appropriate, based on current enrollment, staffing, and clinical requirements. An application is completed, and healthcare/program/clinical screening follows, along with a parent/guardian interview. Melmark Pennsylvania provides families with a detailed family handbook that outlines parameters and expectations between Melmark Pennsylvania and the individual’s family. The handbook also includes consents and acknowledgments for the provision of services.