The Education Department at Copper Hills Youth Center is committed to meeting the individual educational needs of our diverse student population. We currently have a staff of a school administrator, ten certified teachers and one educational assistant working in our program. The strength and talent of our staff is reflected in their diverse teaching styles while maintaining a unity of purpose as identified in our mission, vision and values statements.

Course Offerings

Each of our courses is designed to meet the individual needs of our students while providing a safe, nurturing, learning environment. Social skills development, problem solving skills, communication skills, character development and teamwork are essential components of each course offered at Copper Hills Youth Center.

Copper Hills emphasizes the core academic courses, which are taught year-round, allowing our students to earn an additional 1.5 credits toward graduation requirements. Students typically attend classes 240 days per year. During the school year, students are enrolled in four academic courses and one physical education course. The courses are conducted through whole class experiences rather than individualized study programs. Our department feels that this approach to learning best prepares students to effectively transition back into public school or to other treatment programs.

Special Education

The Special Education Department collaborates with the student’s school and home district in order to meet the specific requirements of each state and school district. Teachers provide accommodations for all special education students in the classroom and adapt the curriculum to use tactile kinesthetic means of learning for all students. They also provide opportunities for students based on varied learning styles using multi-sensory approaches including educational games, cooperative learning, role playing, simulations, exhibitions of learning and other varied teaching methods all with the goal of aiding students in mastering concepts.

Accreditation and Credits

Copper Hills Youth Center is fully accredited through Cognia (formerly Northwest Accreditation Commission). All credits earned from Copper Hills Youth Center may be transferred to a student’s home school district. Students have the opportunity to earn 1.50 credits per term. Copper Hills Youth Center offers an extended school year, allowing students to earn an additional 1.50 credits during our Summer Term. A student may earn 7.5 credits in our extended school year.

Behavior Intervention

Copper Hills Youth Center has a policy of keeping students in class whenever possible. Teachers and staff help students to identify triggers of stress and off-task behaviors and then help students to find acceptable replacement behaviors to promote success in school. Our school utilizes a behavioral support system for students based on the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” program. All students receive ongoing instruction on the 7 Habits as a part of classroom instruction. Students are then awarded “habit bucks” throughout the school day when they exhibit behaviors outlined in the 7 Habits. Students are then able to redeem their habit bucks to purchase incentives such as art lessons, music lessons, computer time, co-ed activities, books, treats, etc.

Enhanced Programming

Copper Hills Youth Center has implemented an innovative teaching model for our lowest functioning students. Teachers, therapists, clinical program administrators and milieu coordinators work as part of a collaborative team to identify specific life skills that each class of students needs. Therapists, teachers and milieu coordinators then work together to teach these specific skills throughout the day. This helps students acquire these skills in a meaningful way, allowing them to generalize the skills to their own lives. Teachers also collaborate with therapists and the milieu coordinator to develop and implement individualized social stories for our Autism Spectrum Disorder students, allowing them to experience a higher level of success in both school and in therapy.

Our Education Department is also working closely with our Clinical Program Administrators to implement a facility wide anti-bullying program. This program is called the Student Ambassador Program. All of our residents participate in our anti-bullying curriculum in which they learn what constitutes bullying, how to identify when someone is being bullied and how to utilize specific strategies to combat bullying. Students are nominated to become student ambassadors, where they set an example for others to follow in helping to prevent bullying. These student ambassadors also act as a resource and support to students who may be experiencing bullying.

Additional Information

Parents and caseworkers are encouraged to contact the Education Department with any questions or concerns regarding his or her student. Monthly progress notes and quarterly report cards are sent to families and caseworkers. We also send a quarterly school newsletter highlighting school activities, student accomplishments, field trips, etc. Upon discharge, a full academic transcript, discharge summary and a copy of all assessments conducted are provided. For additional information, please contact our Principal, Elizabeth Loy at 801-304-7171.

If your adolescent is struggling with a primary psychiatric disorder, including autism spectrum disorder, treatment at Copper Hills Youth Center could help change their lives. Don’t wait, call 800-776-7116 today.