At NewHope Academy, we recognize that a student’s success is deeply rooted in the support they receive both at school and at home. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on building a collaborative partnership with parents to ensure a comprehensive support system. By working together, we can address both academic and emotional needs, creating an environment where students thrive in all aspects of life.
1. Caregiver Family Therapy
We understand that family dynamics play a significant role in a student’s success, which is why caregivers receive family therapy via virtual meetings. Initially, these sessions occur once a week and are gradually tapered to 1-3 times per month as needed. This service provides in-depth insights into family dynamics that assist our therapists in tailoring support for students. Family therapy is also a related service written into our students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), ensuring that caregivers are a central part of the therapeutic process.
2. Parent Therapy Group
NewHope Academy offers a Parent Therapy Group, which provides caregivers with an opportunity to seek support and guidance from fellow parents and licensed professional counselors. Facilitated by two NHA therapists the group meets bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM via Zoom. This process group creates a safe and supportive environment where parents can share their experiences, gain insights, and receive counsel on their own challenges while supporting their child’s growth.
3. Regular Progress Updates
We prioritize regular communication between teachers, therapists, and parents to ensure everyone is aligned in supporting student success. Teachers and therapists provide consistent progress updates on students’ academic and behavioral development, making it an integral part of our program. These updates allow parents to stay informed and actively involved in their child’s progress and areas for improvement.
4. The “Dream Team”
At NewHope Academy, every student and family is assigned a “Dream Team”, which consists of a case manager and a therapist. The case manager is an Illinois-licensed LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist) who helps students and families navigate academic and executive functioning challenges. Meanwhile, the therapist, a licensed mental health professional such as a counselor, social worker, or clinical psychologist, addresses social-emotional challenges. Together, this team works to provide holistic support that empowers students to excel in all areas of life.
5. Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are another key aspect of our program, ensuring that caregivers receive thorough, detailed information about their child’s academic and behavioral progress. These conferences are an opportunity for teachers, therapists, and parents to collaborate on strategies, discuss goals, and ensure that students are receiving the support they need both at school and at home. At NewHope, we take pride in providing our families with clear, actionable insights.
6. IEP Team Collaboration
Caregivers are essential members of the student’s IEP team. We work closely with parents to collaborate on the development of IEP goals and accommodations, ensuring that each child’s plan is tailored to their specific needs. By involving parents in this process, we ensure that the strategies and goals set are both practical and aligned with the child’s unique needs, both at school and at home.
Conclusion
At NewHope Academy, our collaborative support system integrates families into every step of the educational and therapeutic process. By providing family therapy, regular progress updates, a supportive Parent Therapy Group, and a dedicated “Dream Team” for each student, we create a network of support that helps children succeed both academically and emotionally. We value our strong partnerships with parents and work together to ensure that every student at NewHope receives the care and attention they need to reach their full potential.
If you’re a parent looking to learn more about how NewHope Academy can support your child, we’d love to connect with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or to schedule a visit. We’re here to support you every step of the way.