I have been going back in forth on what to email you in regards to the differences with CALO and where I am currently employed.  I have thought long and hard as to what to write about. More...

A coach arrives for their shift and begins their day by meeting about critical issues from the night before which range from a student having laundry in a washer to a student needing closeness.  They discuss important daily information about each student on their team such as doctor’s appointments, new medications, campus events, and family visits.  The shift lead assigns each staff member to be responsible for a daily task such as rhythm control, stewardships or school assignments.  Staff then prepares stewardship supplies and gathers student shoes and coats (weather permitting).  Staff will make sure two-way radios are assigned to ensure communication between all teams.  Coaches then move from room to room waking students as they would wake their own child, setting the rhythm for the day. 

As students wake up they begin to preparing for the day.  Over the next two hours students care for the dogs (walking, feeding, etc.), have breakfast together in the community dining room, straighten their rooms and work together to make sure their living areas are clean and tidy.  After the morning activities, students attend school, recreation therapy, or therapeutic groups depending on their team schedule.   Students’ formal therapy sessions either individually or with their family are scheduled throughout the day.  After lunch and the dining room clean-up, it is again time to care for the golden retrievers and/or spend some time with staff and peers.  During these times, coaches participate in all activities along with the students.  Coaches handle canines, participate in recreational therapy and school, control rhythms, and converse with students about their previous day such as how they slept, or what’s on their mind.  Coaches handle issues as they arise from walking the canines to caring for students who are feeling ill.  Coaches provide trust of care and trust of control and continually build relationships with the students. More...