Canopy Adult Program Overview
The Canopy Adult Program Quality Standards
- Person-Centered Approach: Tailoring support to individual needs, preferences, strengths, and goals, focusing on promoting autonomy and self-determination.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: The Canopy Adult Program has a flexible coverage model. The standard ratio is 1 staff to 4 participants.
- Qualified Staff: Employing trained professionals with expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including understanding sensory sensitivities, communication styles, and behavioral interventions.
- Collaborative Team Approach: Involving multidisciplinary teams, including educators and therapists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated support.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify strengths, needs, and areas for growth, informing individualized support plans.
- Clear Communication: Ensuring transparent and effective communication with individuals, families, caregivers, and other stakeholders involved in the program.
- Accessible Environment: Creating physical and sensory environments that are accessible, accommodating, and conducive to learning and participation.
- Skill-Based Programming: Offering a range of skill-building opportunities across various domains, including communication, social skills, independent living, vocational skills, and leisure activities.
- Inclusive Environment: Creating inclusive environments that promote acceptance, understanding, and accommodation of individual differences while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
- Communication and Social Skills Training: Providing opportunities for developing communication, social interaction, and relationship-building skills tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Life Skills Training: Offering training and support in essential life skills, such as daily living tasks, vocational skills, financial literacy, and self-care, to promote independence and functional abilities.
- Transition Planning: Implementing transition planning processes to support individuals as they move between different life stages, educational settings, or employment opportunities.
- Family and Caregiver Involvement: Engaging families and caregivers as partners in the planning, implementing, and evaluating support programs while providing them with resources and training.
- Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Regularly evaluate program effectiveness, solicit feedback from participants and stakeholders, and make adjustments to improve outcomes and meet evolving needs.
These quality standards establish the Canopy Adult Program as a leader in autism programming, aiming to enhance the well-being, independence, and quality of life of individuals with autism.
Calendar, Program Tuition and Transportation
Calendar:
- The Canopy Adult Program operates year-round, starting mid-August and continuing through the end of July.
- Canopy Adult Program maintains a rolling admission policy, welcoming new participants year-round as openings become available.
Tuition & Transportation:
- Canopy is a private pay program. Tuition is determined by the number of days attended
annually and whether participants sign up for Caravan Transportation services. - Program Options:
- Option 1: Parent/Caregiver DROP-OFF & PICK-UP at our 264 Main St. Sugar Grove campus.
- Tuition: $108 per day.
- Morning DROP-OFF begins at 9:15 a.m. at 264 Main Street, Sugar Grove campus.
- Afternoon PICK-UP begins at 2:15 p.m. at 264 Main Street, Sugar Grove campus.
- Typically, parents, caregivers, or PACE services drop participants off and pick them up directly at the Canopy program in Sugar Grove, IL.
- Option 2: With Caravan TRANSPORTATION to and from Sugar Grove
- Tuition: $115 per day. Additional Daily Costs are based on the following criteria and are subject to change.
- The cost of gas and the wear and tear of the shuttle for a 42-mile daily round trip
- The cost for staff to supervise participants is an additional half hour in the morning and a half hour in the afternoon.
- Morning DROP-OFF at Giant Steps Day School (2500 Cabot Dr., Lisle, IL) begins at 8:30 a.m./8:45 a.m. (Front Parking Lot).
- Afternoon PICK-UP at Giant Steps Day School begins at approximately 3:00 p.m. (Front Parking Lot).
- Tuition: $115 per day. Additional Daily Costs are based on the following criteria and are subject to change.
- Option 1: Parent/Caregiver DROP-OFF & PICK-UP at our 264 Main St. Sugar Grove campus.
Canopy Adult Program:
- Curriculum: An age-appropriate learning environment guided by carefully designed goals/objectives adapted to each participant’s needs and functional level.
- Staff to Participant Ratio: The Canopy Program incorporates a highly supportive 1 staff to 4 participant ratio, unlike the typical ratio of 1 to 8/10 in other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) adult programs in Illinois.
- Attendance: Participants may attend 1 – 5 days per week.
- Annual Billing Agreement: Families agree in August on the days the participant will attend the Canopy program. Changes to attendance days are possible; however, any change to the schedule must be okayed by the Canopy Administrator.
- Daily Schedule: The day runs from 9:30 – 2:30, Monday through Friday
Community-Based Instruction & Vocational Opportunities:
The Canopy Adult Program emphasizes independent community participation through dynamic, meaningful, Community-Based Instruction (CBI). CBI integrates into daily programming and community settings, highlighting strengths, fostering skill development, and bridging the gap to real-world situations. Vocational opportunities are tailored to individual needs, aiming to equip participants for success by building on existing skills, developing new ones, increasing community engagement, and fostering independence.
For more information contact: Ally Dogan, Canopy and Christine’s Dream Program Administrator
Email: adogan@mygiantsteps.org | Phone: 630.864.3830
For questions about Canopy or to schedule a tour: canopyintaketeam@mygiantsteps.org
