Gerber Education Program

Providing special education services to young people in our Residential Treatment program.

Building the bridge to a brighter future.

Enrollment

We accept youth, ages 9-21, into our residential program through referral and funding from agencies such as a local school district, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. These young people, who often face challenges in academics, behavior and attendance due to disabilities and trauma, attend our Gerber Education Program.

A classroom in Gerber where students are listening to a guest speaker which is so important to their growth.
Community speakers often speak to our students and share their experiences and expertise.

Our program caters to students with various educational eligibility labels including:

  • Emotional/Behavioral Disorder
  • Autism
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Learning Disability
  • Intellectual Disability

Additionally, our students often have mental health disorders that have educational impact including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Education Team

A skilled team of special education teachers, social workers, crisis counselors and teaching assistants works together with residential program therapists and staff to provide coordinated educational support. Upon arrival, many students are below their expected academic grade level and may not have experienced prior school success. The Gerber team assists youth in developing a positive identity as learners, helping them move towards academic success.

Our staff creates a safe environment for students to develop academic, behavioral, vocational, and social skills, preparing them for success in public school and future independence.

Gerber Education program staff pictured around the Noel Education Center sign.
Gerber’s wonderful leadership, teachers and staff.

The Gerber approach

  • individualized education planning
  • small class sizes
  • sensory techniques
  • trauma-informed strategies
  • speech/language and occupational therapy

To meet academic needs and state standards, we use student data to implement research-based curriculum and interventions. Gerber students participate in a social skills curriculum and programs, designed to address emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and vocational skills for successful transitions.

Learn more

Contact

Call our Residential Treatment Intake/Admissions Coordinator at (217) 367-3728, ext. 281

Important information

Our program is recognized by the Urbana School District 116 and follows the district’s curriculum and yearly calendar.

Bullying Policy

Cunningham Children’s Home Wellness Policy

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.