Pillar Elementary School (which includes preschool, elementary school and middle school) and Pillar High School are located in Livingston, NJ and are state-approved programs for multiply disabled children ages 3-21 years old.
Pillar Schools take a functional approach to learning, tailoring our transdisciplinary, collaborative approach to teaching and delivering therapy services to meet the unique needs and abilities of each individual student. We believe that all activities of daily living – including everything from dressing and toileting to mealtime management skills and peer interaction- are opportunities for students to learn and grow. Individual occupational, physical and speech language services are integrated into the curriculum to ensure maximal educational and therapeutic benefits for each individual student. Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which provides the framework for individual goals and outcomes. Our curriculum is aligned with New Jersey’s Student Learning Standards; however, each goal is customized for each student’s unique educational requirements.
Our classrooms are bright and welcoming and are equipped with the most up-to-date educational and therapeutic technologies. Each student has access to various adaptive technologies, such as interactive whiteboards and displays, touch screen computer programs and software, iPads and adaptive keyboards. Each classroom is equipped with an assistive technology kit containing specialized switches, mounts and universal control units. Movement and positioning is integrated into each school day. Each child has access to custom seating, sensorimotor equipment, supportive standing frames and various types of walking devices. There are daily sensory-motor activities that incorporate movement and sensory input into the educational lessons in order to provide a very tangible learning experience for each child. Because our highly specialized therapists are such an integral part of the classroom, they are able to provide ongoing assessment and are able to modify each student’s program as needed to best meet their needs and cater to their disability. Our highly skilled therapists also provide feeding therapy, vision training, aquatic therapy and hippotherapy services on school grounds. An extended school year program is available in July and August.
Our educational program adheres to New Jersey Student Learning Standards in conjunction with specialized curriculum in the areas of Language Arts, Math and Science. Educational technology- including adapted computers, interactive whiteboards, TAP-it computer system and iPads – is used in creating and implementing lessons. We incorporate a variety of educational programs that are designed to meet the needs of our students including Equals Math, Touch Math, Aided Language Stimulation, Reading A-Z, Science A-Z, Interoception, and Handwriting without Tears.
