Sarah Reed Children’s Center provides a comprehensive continuum of programs and services for children throughout their development and across all environments, including the home, school, and community settings. Our service continuum provides trauma-informed, high-quality, and evidence-based therapeutic programming to children across Erie County.
What is the Bridges Alternative Education Program (BAEP)?
Bridges Alternative Education Program (BAEP) serves Erie School District students in grades 6-12 that have exhibited unsafe behavior in the school setting, as defined by PDE. Bridges strives to support students in growth and change, to develop the skills they need to be safe and successful in school and in life.
Program includes:
Counseling
Students receive 2.5 hours of group counseling weekly by a Master’s level clinician. Counseling topics include Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Sanctuary® Psych-ed, and Mindfulness.
Behavior
Students will complete a Social Academic and Emotional Behavior Rating Scale (SAEBRS) at admission. Results from this assessment will help determine individual goals that the student will focus on during their time in the program. Bridges utilizes a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program to instruct and recognize students for following school-wide expectations and provide structured supports for students that need it. If a student is struggling during class, they have access to the Refocus Room where the student will meet with a Refocus Specialist to utilize coping skills, de-escalate, process their feelings and behaviors, and formulate a plan for success before returning to class.
Academics
Students have the opportunity to continue earning credits toward graduation while in the program. Courses offered include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health/Life skills, and Electives. Upon entry, students will take academic diagnostics in Math, Language Arts, and Reading to help determine their current levels and individualize instruction.
Each classroom includes a PA Certified Virtual Teacher, Academic Support Staff, and Behavior Counselor with a maximum of 12 students per classroom.
Formal Periodic Reviews
The Formal Periodic Review (FPR) team includes the student, parent/guardians, AEDY program representatives, and home school representatives. The FPR team meets every 45 days to review the student’s behavioral and academic progress in the program. During this meeting, the student’s individualized behavior goals are reviewed. Once the goals are met, the team develops a comprehensive transition plan to help ensure the student’s success when returning to their home school.
Where do we offer the Bridges Alternative Education Program?
Bridges West:
Emerson Gridley
816 N. Park Ave.
Erie, PA 16502
Site Supervisor: Dawn Sechrist, 814.651.0751
Bridges East:
East Middle School
1001 Atkins St.
Erie, PA 16503
Site Supervisor: Danielle Daugherty 814.651.0752
Contact Information
Students must be referred by their school administration.