Elizabeth Ives School Summer Program

is a small, State of Connecticut Department of Education approved, non-profit, special education therapeutic day school located in North Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1963, they service students from the ages of five to 21, who come to them with a wide variety of needs, including social emotional disturbances, learning issues, language issues, intellectual disabilities, mild spectrum disorders and more. They work closely with families and providers in order to develop the right mix of therapeutic and academic strategies necessary for success. Student referrals come to them from all over South Central Connecticut and beyond. The majority of referrals come from local public school systems. They also get referrals from outside providers and parents. Elizabeth Ives School focuses on each student's individual needs and competencies, and their philosophy is strengths-based. They have worked with Dr. Ross Greene who developed Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, and they also borrow from the Circle of Courage Model developed by Dr. Larry Brendtro and others. This program looks at four areas: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. Elizabeth Ives School fosters a sense of community in their setting where all are welcome, and they provide opportunities for students to develop competencies in these areas.