FAQS about the Wediko School

1) Where is the Wediko School located? 

Wediko’s beautiful 450-acre, lakeside campus is located in Southern New Hampshire about two hours northwest of Boston, Massachusetts.

2) How would you describe the children who attend Wediko? 

Wediko offers a comprehensive therapeutic environment for children struggling with difficulties including attention deficits, learning differences, impulse control problems, negativity, academic under-achievement, low self-esteem, and poor social skills.  Wediko also has expertise with adoption, attachment disorders, and mood disorders.  Additionally, specialized programming is provided for children with atypical developmental disorders.  The guiding objective is to jump-start stalled development in key areas.

3) Where do children live? 

Children live in dormitories which offer both single and double room accommodations.

4) How are groups formed? 

Tremendous attention is given to group composition.  Children are grouped according to chronological age, developmental levels, strengths, challenges, and interests. Groups are composed to ensure that children can practice social skills.

5) How do you define your program? 

The Wediko School offers programming that kindles existing strengths and interests while building motivation, decision-making capacities, and social skills. Structured feedback, daily group meetings, and incentive-based behavioral contracting encourage self-observation, self-control and responsibility.

6) How is the family involved?

Wediko believes that family involvement is critical throughout the therapeutic process.Family therapy is a standard and critical component to our program. Wediko understands that the family knows the child best.  The family’s input and participation is critical to the child’s success.  Family therapy sessions are a time for the family to discuss the growth, struggles, and feelings that arise as treatment plans are implemented.  Clinicians tailor intervention strategies for success both at Wediko and at home.  

7) When my child misbehaves how will Wediko respond? 

First and foremost, Wediko is structured to be a physically and psychologically safe environment.  When student behavior is not safe, Wediko staff use well-established positive behavior support practices.  Strategies include labeling behavior, reminding students of choice points, building on strengths, understanding the chain of events leading to upsets, and discussing alternative behavioral options.  If behavior is extreme, students are separated from the group and provided with individual supervision and intervention as they work to understand their own behavior patterns.

8) What is the food like at Wediko? 

Cooks prepare tasty meals which comply with USDA nutrition guidelines.  Wediko serves three meals and two snacks daily. Meals are served family style in each group’s dorm.  Food is never withheld from children as a consequence for misbehavior.

9) What is Wediko’s safety record? 

Wediko emphasizes the health and safety of children and staff.  Wediko trains staff in the safe management of challenging behavior, and the high staff-to-student ratio provides for safety in all settings.   Experienced staff are available in the setting, and nurses are always on duty.

10) How is medication handled at Wediko?

All medications and health issues are monitored by Wediko’s health supervisor, a registered nurse.  Medications are given by registered nurses or senior staff specially trained in medication distribution.  A psychiatric consultant is available to review medication problems or changes.  No medications are changed until parents are informed and give permission.

11) Who pays for a student's medication? 

Tuition does not cover your child’s medications.  The exact procedure for getting your child’s medications depends on your insurance and will be discussed during your interview.

12) What if a student gets sick?

Wediko has a full nursing staff, including health specialists, who will attend to your child’s health needs.  Wediko will call you if your child gets sick.  For services that are not routine, such as medication blood levels, lab work, or emergencies, children will be referred to local health facilities.  These outside services are not covered by tuition and will be billed to you or your insurance (including co-pays).