Residential

Children admitted to Eagleton School may be placed in one of seven residential homes based upon age and needs.  Additionally, there is one home which is designated specifically for students with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and another home specifically designated “Independent Living” for students preparing for the transition of reentry into their families and communities.

At Eagleton, a student’s daily residential life includes:

• Two residential meetings each day to discuss his goal of the day, his progress toward that goal, and any obstacles to meeting that goal.  The meetings also discuss issues in the residence and other subjects that may come up.

• Daily chores include setting the table for meals, clearing after meals, cleaning rooms and maintaining their home environment.  During chore time, the staff monitors and supports residents with instruction and modeling as needed.

• Various activities, either as a residential group, smaller group, or as individuals, often utilize the resources of the Berkshire Hills location of the school and can include sports, movies in the residence or off grounds, meal preparation, dinner in a restaurant, games, and arts and crafts.

• On weekdays, residents also spend a portion of their time each afternoon doing homework assigned by their teachers.

The residential program is designed to support both families and residents. Residents have frequent visits from their families on weekdays or weekends.  Visits occur either on grounds or off grounds, depending on the needs and desires of the resident and family.  During visits, residential staff provides the families with modeling and mentoring on parenting their children.  Mentoring/modeling may be in the form of direct instruction, discussion, or observation.  Staff assists families to learn about their children and their needs; these techniques support the reintegration of the child into the family.

Residential staff has a critical role in discharge planning, and the implementation of that plan for the children.  Often a discharge transition plan may take weeks to implement so that staff can prepare the child and family for what will come after discharge.  Planning and implementation of a discharge plan always includes the parents/families, child, the staff of the home, clinicians, and responsible agencies.