Simply stated, the goal of Chileda is to help our clients successfully adapt to community living.

But there's much more to it than that.

We teach children and young adults with developmental disabilities that they can defend their rights and express their opinions. Through group activities and one-on-one lessons, our clients develop social skills, augment physical coordination and acquire cognitive abilities that aid the child with academics and vocational training.

Together, students and staff develop an individual program with specific objectives and modify it as needed to assure continued progress.

Chileda assumes a proactive, accountable role in the development of each child. We believe in setting realistic, measurable goals upon admission. Our staff documents progress throughout the resident's stay. This information helps parents and referral agencies monitor the individual's progress and aids Chileda in designing and refining a program that best suits the client's needs.

Behavioral and educational services for children with autism, closed head injuries, seizure disorders, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular and neurological disabilities are integrated throughout the Chileda program. Each child is evaluated to determine his or her educational needs, with special emphasis on correcting cognitive deficits and behaviors that interfere with daily living.

To assure the least intrusive treatment approach, the program operates within all guidelines proposed by the Wisconsin Division of Community Services*, with prior approval from the child's parent or guardian and a standing human rights committee.

*Chileda's program also meets the educational qualifications outlined by the states of California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska and Ohio. However, we will work with any state or governing body to secure approval.