Clinical, Developmental and Therapeutic (CDT) Programs
EASTCONN operates two Clinical, Developmental and Therapeutic (CDT) programs in Northeastern Connecticut: Northeast Regional Program (NRP) in Danielson and Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) in Columbia, both serving grades K-12. These programs are designed for students who need a highly structured, supportive, therapeutic environment in order to achieve academic and behavioral success. The programs emphasize supporting students in acquiring the academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills necessary to successfully return to their local public schools or a less restrictive environment, and combine individualized instruction with a multimodal approach and high-interest materials to maximize learning. Members of our multidisciplinary team, including psychologists and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), are also available to consult with districts to assess program or district-wide needs, with the goal of building in-district capacity to develop and support student programs in their home schools/communities.
Our Approach
Individualized Educational Programs
- We offer standards-based, small-group and 1:1 instruction with progress monitoring aligned with goals/objectives delineated in students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Curriculum design and instruction incorporate project-based learning, integrated lessons, and real-life applications. A variety of alternative teaching strategies and behavior management techniques are employed in the classroom to maximize student success.
- Data-driven decision-making through intensive, ongoing progress monitoring of techniques and strategies implemented across providers and settings.
Clinical/Behavioral Support Services
- Multi-tiered school-wide positive behavior framework focused on proactive strategies and reinforcement to increase positive pro-social skills among all students.
- Collaboration between clinicians and teachers to design safe, supportive environments for all the students.
- Development and implementation of individualized strategies that foster positive, pro-social behaviors in school and in the community.
- Opportunities to practice social skills with developmentally appropriate peers.
Vocational Services
Innovative community-based programming to support students in acquiring the necessary skills for competitive employment and post-secondary options. Services include:
- Assessment of skills and abilities.
- Participation in small group/individualized instruction and community tours to local businesses.
- Guest speakers share their trades, education and experiences.
- Paid Internships for students 14 years and older.
- Assistance with applying to post-secondary options including college/vocational schools and/or planning for transition services.
Home-School Collaboration
- On-going communication between school staff (teachers, clinicians, administrators) and families to maximize student success at school, at home and in the community.
- Support for families interested in obtaining services from community-based agencies/individual providers.
- Open houses, family nights, parent support groups and parent-teacher conferences.
The CDT Multidisciplinary Team
Our team collaborates on a daily basis to develop and implement assessment-driven programming for students with diverse needs. We work together with districts and families to identify priorities for instruction and systematically implement programs across providers and settings to improve student outcomes.
We have a variety of specialists and educators:
- Special Education Teachers
- Trained instructors and instructional assistants
- Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
- Licensed psychologists
- Clinicians
- Consulting psychiatrist
- Vocational coaches
- Assistive Technology (AT) Specialists
- Related service providers
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- School Social Workers
- School Counselors
Referral Process for all EASTCONN CDT Programs
- The Home/Sending district sends a referral packet to EASTCONN's Clinical, Developmental and Therapeutic Programs.
- EASTCONN reviews the materials and schedules an interview with the student and family.
- This interview is conducted at one of our CDT locations and includes the building principal and a member of our clinical staff.
- Following the interview, the EASTCONN CDT team makes a determination about acceptance into the program. The sending district is then notified of the decision.
- If all stakeholders are in agreement, a placement PPT is held to determine the student's start date within the EASTCONN program.
School Calendars
- 2024-2025 School Calendar - Northeast Regional Program (NRP) 2024-2025 School Calendar - Educational and Vocational Center (EVC)
CDT Q&As
- How many students are in each class? What is the staffing ratio?
- Each classroom has no more than seven students, with at least three staff. We have a certified special education teacher who case manages all the students in their classroom, as well as a special education instructor and at least one instructional assistant.
- Do students ever return to their home school?
- Yes, our goal is always to consider the least restrictive environment (LRE) for each student. If a student demonstrates their readiness to return to a less restrictive environment, EASTCONN will work in tandem with the sending district to develop a transition plan to ensure the successful return of the student.
- Do you have after-school activities?
- At his time, given the nature of our programs and how many sending towns we accommodate, we are unable to hold after school-activities. We do, however, have clubs built into our weekly schedule. Students choose from a number of clubs that meet their interests. In the past we have offered such clubs as fishing, baking, sports, knitting, arts and crafts, and music, to name a few.
- What are the typical school day hours?
- Our school hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- How does my child get transportation to the school?
- Transportation is arranged between the sending district and the parents/guardians.