At PRAISE we strive to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities with a person centered program designed to maximize inclusion and opportunities for happiness, vocation, independence, friendship and community involvement through a variety of meaningful daily activities in a naturally reinforcing setting. PRAISE today for a better tomorrow!
My name is Judy White, the Owner/Director of the up and coming PRAISE Day Program.
The development of this program has been a dream of mine for over 20 years. I am a 25 year Yucaipa resident and have been a high school special education teacher for over 30 years, with the last 15 working specifically with the Adult Transition age population (18-22).
I have a masters degree in special education and am also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with many years of experience working with students with significant disabilities and behavioral challenges.
I designed and developed an exemplary Adult Transition Program at Redlands High School, which was nominated for the California Golden Bell Award two separate years, and was truly a reflection of what I knew my future adult day program would resemble.
As much as I loved teaching, I retired from Redlands USD in June 2024 with the sole intent of opening an adult program, as I could no longer ignore the fact that adults with disabilities are a much underserved population and in dire need of quality programs in the surrounding area of Redlands. I know first hand because I have seen that upon exiting high school many of my students are not able to find a program that meets their needs, within their local community. I also know this because I personally have faced this dilemma as I am the care provider and legal guardian of my adult sister who also has physical and intellectual disabilities. As we are busy making renovations to the facility while waiting for final vendorization from the IRC, keep checking back to this site or sign up for updates as to when we will be ready to accept particpants!
The PRAISE Day Program’s purpose is to provide training and support services to each individual in the natural setting as much as possible, with individual interests, strengths, and preferences a priority to help each person achieve the highest level of independence possible. The program focuses on developing skills in the areas of vocational training, independent living, social skills, community integration and self-advocacy in a positively reinforced environment to help individuals achieve greater independence and quality of life. Our anticipated outcomes align with the foundation of the program: positive reinforcement, respect, ability, independence, socialization and natural environment.
P • Increased skill acquisition and self management in areas the individual finds joy, motivated by positive reinforcement and naturally occurring reinforcers to encourage generalization and maintenance of skill development.
R • Increased self advocacy and communication skills in order to be valued as an individual whose rights, wishes and boundaries are respected.
A • Increased vocational skills and working in a job of their choice to the best of their ability.
I • Increased independence in independent living skills to be able to do as much for themself as possible.
S • Increased social skills to build friendships, enjoy new experiences and participate in a variety of recreational activities.
E • Increased community skills in the naturally occurring environment to experience fulfilling social and vocational activities.
• Social Skills
• Personal Safety
• Self Advocacy/Communication
• Community Training
• Shopping
• Budgeting/Money Skills
• Nutrition
• Following a Recipe
• Cooking/Meal Prep
• Domestic Skills
• Following a Schedule
• Personal Appearance/Hygiene
• Vocational Training
• Job Interview Skills
• Self Management
PRAISE Day Program will promote a person centered approach and provide a welcoming environment where social preferences will be respected. Opportunities for socialization will be built into the program where participants will be given a voice in choices. All will be encouraged to mingle and interact with others to build friendships and daily activities will be designed to promote socialization and skill building. Schedules will be flexible and participants will be allowed to select which sessions or events they attend, when possible.
"We could not believe the level of personal growth, skill development, acceleration in expressive communication, and excitement in our daughter to participate in the experiences during her years with Judy."
K.M., Parent from 2022-2024
"We have seen our son flourish… Judy’s (high) expectations have made a huge improvement for him socially and moving forward towards possible employment one day."
C.W., Parent from 2018-2022
Questions & Comments
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