Founded in December 1987, the Alternative Education Program (AEP) offers alternative education services to youth, expanding to over 10 public school districts across Pennsylvania. This program is designed for students in grades 6–12 who possess an elementary or secondary reading level. Referrals to the program are initiated by school administrators, and youth remain on the rolls of their referring districts while attending the program.
The PA Treatment & Healing Alternative Education Program (AEP) is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide services in compliance with Act 30 of 1997 (Pennsylvania School Code, Article XIX-C, Disruptive Youth Programs) and Act 48 of 1999 (Pennsylvania School Code, Article XIX-E, Private Alternative Education Institutions for Disruptive Students).
Why Choose the PA Treatment & Healing Alternative Education Program?
- Provides alternative education for students struggling in traditional school settings
- Focuses on positive behavior change and a more conducive learning environment
- Offers a standards-based curriculum aligned with the student’s home-school schedule
- Ensures no loss of academic credit during the alternative education period
- Low student-to-staff ratio for more individualized support
- Provides individual and group counseling, including on-site drug and alcohol counseling
- Collaborative approach with families, students, and school districts
Locations
The Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) Program is Offered at the Following PA Treatment & Healing Locations:
East Stroudsburg – (570) 517-7153
For More Information About the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) Program or Any of the Other Services PA Treatment & Healing Provides, Please Contact:
Kristi Harris, Project Director
Admission Criteria
Ages: Students in grades 6-12 Sex: Male or Female Admission: Referrals made by school administrators Session Length: Referral periods can range from 45 days to the entire academic year
Program Structure
The program is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students who struggle in traditional educational settings. Students receive a standards-based curriculum that aligns with their home school schedules to prevent loss of credit. The program also focuses on fostering positive behavior changes, which help create a more conducive learning environment.
Unique Aspects of the Program
- Low staff-to-student ratio of 1:6
- Structured learning environment with constant supervision
- No Suspension, No Expulsion policy
- Counselors trained to address behavioral issues and underlying emotional needs
- On-site drug and alcohol education and counseling
- Special activities and privileges for exceptional behavior
- Weekly individual and group counseling (2.5 hours total) on contemporary adolescent issues
- Close communication with the referring school districts
- Flexible referral period (45 days to the full academic year)
Educational Curriculum
The Alternative Education Program provides a blended learning environment, utilizing textbooks and other materials from referring districts along with online resources. This approach ensures that students’ educational experiences closely mirror their home school schedules, facilitating a seamless transition between placement and return to their home district.
Program Specializations
The program specializes in addressing the needs of students with:
- Persistent disregard for school authority
- Violations of school policy and procedures
- Violent acts directed towards staff and peers
- Substance use on school property
- Possession of a weapon on school property
- Serious misconduct in the classroom
- Severe behavioral problems
Mental Health Considerations
Students with serious mental health issues may be determined to be unsuitable for the program. In such cases, the staff works with school administrators to arrange for more appropriate placement.
Comments from Education Professionals regarding the AEP:
PATH has definitely been a resource in which we have a great deal of confidence.
Having the PATH program as an option helps some of our most needy, at-risk students and it subsequently has a positive impact on our regular education programs as well.
We feel very fortunate to be able to take advantage of the PATH school program for our students who need it.
It is my strong belief that the PATH program will continue to be a valuable asset to high risk students and I would recommend this program to other schools.