VALLEY FORGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) offers a continuum of educational, summer and employment-related programs for people with disabilities. The hallmark of our programs is our collaborative and holistic approach to each child, adolescent and adult, recognizing their unique abilities and needs through team efforts. Individuals of all ages come to learn, share, appreciate and respect one another while developing skills necessary for success. We are committed to helping students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth to realize their value as contributing members of the community.

Mission Statement
VFES prepares children and adults with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of the community.

Vision Statement
VFES, in partnership with the community, will develop and implement comprehensive clinical, educational and social programs for people with special needs, so each is offered an equal opportunity for an independent and meaningful life.

The Vanguard School provides comprehensive student-focused special education and related clinical services using evidence-based curriculum and procedures. Students receive individualized behavioral, academic and vocational programming with a focus on functional, emotional and social skills development, daily living skills, community awareness and vocational education. As students transition to adolescence and adulthood, the programs emphasize the development of daily living, social, and vocational skills needed to allow students to function with the greatest possible independence as contributing members of their communities.

The Vanguard School’s Intensive Therapeutic Classrooms are an alternative educational placement for students whose emotional, social or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in school. Students in this program are working at or slightly below grade level and have strong communication skills. The goal of the program is to increase the student’s self-regulation, social and academic skills while providing behavior supports to teach emotional control, model appropriate social behaviors and address challenging behaviors.
Our interdisciplinary team, comprised of a board-certified behavior analyst, clinical social worker, certified special education teacher and classroom aide focus on teaching students evidence-based behavioral and emotional regulation skills, problem-solving skills and ways to manage frustration and anger.

As part of The Vanguard School, students, 18–21 years of age, receive continuing education, counseling, self-advocacy training as well as career exploration and community-based employment experiences.

About Adult and Recreation Services
From the development of social and daily living skills to experiencing opportunities to have fun and make new friends, Adult and Recreation Services programs are designed to maximize each individual’s potential. Participants find themselves in an inviting learning environment that is inclusive, encouraging, enriching and supportive. This includes traditional day and overnight camps offer traditional camp activities, school-year retreats and programs, extended school year, and Vocational Immersion Program.

Finally, Customized Workforce Solutions (CWS) provides employment-related services to adults with disabilities. Our process helps adults define their goals, understand their skills and discover their vocational interests and work preferences. Additionally, CWS develops and maintains mutually beneficial employment relationships between employees and employers.

Services Include:
• Career assessment
• Career discovery
• Skills development and training
• Customized employment
• Supported employment
• Job coaching and job retention services

VFES is a registered 501(c)3 offering a continuum of programs and services for children, youth and adults with special needs. Located on a scenic 28-acre campus in Malvern, Pennsylvania, VFES is a regional leader in special education programs and clinical services. In 1963, The Vanguard School, an educational program of Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES), became the first school in the State to be approved under Enactment of Act 318, which provided partial tuition assistance for children whose educational needs could not be served in their local public schools. Since opening its first program over 60 years ago, VFES has grown to include three complementary programs that now serve more than 300 children and young adults from more than 56 school districts, 8 counties, and the state of Delaware.

In addition, VFES, in partnership with the community, now offers recreational and employment programs for adults with special needs, so they may lead an independent and meaningful life. As a regional leader in special education programs and clinical services with complementary employment and recreational programs, VFES currently serves close to 400 children and 100 adults with special needs from Southeastern PA and DE.

For over 60 years VFES has served thousands of students with special needs providing them highly individualized academic supports, as well as a full offering of social and emotional developmental opportunities. As a result students are prepared to conquer the next stages in their lives.

Our Customized Workforce Solutions program has helped bridge the gap to adulthood and employment for hundreds of individuals with special needs. CWS has helped hundreds by providing career exploration, job finding and job coaching in the communities where individuals with special needs reside. Valley Forge Educational Services has and will continue to prepare children and adults with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of the community.

VFES has worked hard to operate from a standpoint of real strength. Indeed, the pristine campus, sound financial standing, and talented staff are key to remaining competitive and ensuring VFES is on a path to long-term sustainability.




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