Our unique Neurosequential Model© (NM) classroom provides support for children at risk for social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. We focus on building resilience in our Foster, Kinship, and Adopted families.
This approach integrates core principles of neurodevelopment (normal functioning of the brain’s ability to learn, focus, develop memories, and social skills, etc) and traumatology to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live.
Honoring children
Regulating before educating
Experiencing joy
Safe relationships
Quality learning
Curiosity + discovery
What makes us unique?
The NM model focuses on a child’s development and the unique journey each child is on in their lives. The Neurosequential Model© is a developmentally-informed, biologically-respectful approach to working with at-risk children. The model, developed by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. It is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live. Our team is honored to benefit from ongoing consultation with Dr. Perry and the NM Network to support implementation of best practices within our program. We also partner closely with The Village Network, am NMT Certified mental health agency, who provides the therapeutic arm of the program with NM certified clinicians.
The Neurosequential Model© helps us know how the events in a child’s life have impacted their brains and helps us identify how to best support our students. We know that many of the children in our NM program have had multiple adverse childhood experiences and this can reroute the typical patterns in brain development. If we are properly informed, we are better equipped to help. Establishing a safe space where children can feel comfortable, connected, and thrive is of utmost importance to helping each child reach their academic, social, and emotional potential.
Our dedicated educators at the NM Preschool will work with students to navigate through their experiences, so that they may better understand their feelings and emotions. Nearly half of the nation’s children have experienced a significant childhood trauma. This translates to nearly 35 million children in the US. Children who suffer from traumatic stress will often react in extreme ways when reminded in some way of the event. These reactions interfere with the child’s daily life and ability to function and interact with others. At no age are children immune to the effects of traumatic experiences. Even infants and toddlers can experience traumatic stress. The way that traumatic stress manifests will vary from child to child and will depend on the child’s age and developmental level.
Program highlights
Our NM classroom is uniquely staffed. We have a teacher and educational assistant in each classroom. In addition, we have the help of
an occupational therapist
speech language pathologist
school psychologist
and a mental health therapist trained in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
This team approach offers family and children a vast spectrum of supports. It also builds an additional bridge between school and home as the mental health therapist works with students here at school and with families in the home.
