The Jackson Center for Conductive Education sessions are typically six weeks long with a two week break between sessions.  Classes last three hours and occur two to three times per week.  They cover independence skills such as mobility, dressing and hygiene.  Additionally, because Conductive Education focuses on the whole person, sessions incorporate social, cognitive, physicial, intellectual and emotional learning.

Each six-week session culminates with a field trip where children are challenged to use the skills obtained in class to apply problem solving to everyday challenges in the community.

Children are screened for placement based upon their age and ability.  Placement provides an optimal environment for learning and facilitates motivation and socialization.  These social groups are task-oriented, encouraging and affirming of each individual's effort.  The Jackson Center classes currently serve children from six months to nine years old, expanding over time to include other age groups as demand warrants.

Classes are led by Conductors, four-year degreed professionals who are trained in all aspects of children's physical, intellectual, social, emotional and psychological development.  At the Jackson Center children are also assisted by an occupational therapist and classroom aides.

Roles:

Our Staff

Conductor:

Conductors are movement specialists who hold a four-year, university-based degree.  Most have been trained at the PetÖ Institute in Hungary, but there are now a few other recognized training programs, including one in the United States.  Through the Conductive Education program, the Conductor teaches skills that promote independence in self care and mobility whil helping them to gain self-esteem and achieve academic skills.

Rather than "solving" the motor problems themselves, Conductors guide and encourage each child's own active problem-solving for movement tasks.  As the thinking becomes habitual and new tasks are learned, the brain rewires new connections.

Occupational Therapist:

Occupational therapists use purposeful activity to promote health and to enable individuals to reach the highest level of independence while achieving functional outcomes and goals.  Goals are directed toward improving daily living/playing skills or enhancing skills for educational performance.  Occupational therapists address sensorimotor, oral-motor, perceptual and neuromuscular function as well as emotional, motivational, cognitive and psychosocial components of performance.

Classroom Aides :

The youngest children enrolled at The Jackson Center are assisted in class by a parent or caregiver.  Older children are assisted one-on-one by classroom aides.

Prospective Students:

Conductive Education is generally beneficial to those with motor disorders where damage originates from the central nervous system.  Typically such disorders include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease.

Candidates for Conductive Education should have the cognitive ability to understand and follow simple visual and verbal directions.  It may be inappropriate for those who have severe hearing and visual impairments or other medical conditions that would negatively interfere with the intensity of the program.  Examples of these disorders include uncontrolled seizures, severe heart problems, asthma or bone density loss.

Conductive Education may be beneficial throughout the life span from approximately six months of age.  Classes at The Jackson Center are currently offered for children from six months to nine years old.  However, classes for other ages may be offered as demand warrants.