For the fourth consecutive year, Covington Independent Public Schools (CIPS) has been recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education as operating an “Alternative Program of Distinction.”
The alternative programs include CIPS’ Transformational Learning Center, Covington Alternative to Suspension, Alternative to Expulsion, and the Covington Adult High School.
Three of the alternative programs have been housed at the main campus of Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky since the 2014-2015 academic year, allowing traditional academic instruction to be married with therapeutic behavioral health services provided by CHNK.
CHNK Chief Executive Officer Rick Wurth notes that the relationship between the agency and Covington Independent Public Schools has become a model for the rest of the state.
“Behavioral healthcare embedded into schools only increases the ability of students and families to thrive academically and grow into healthy and productive human beings,” said Wurth.
Alternative education programs are used to meet the needs of students who cannot navigate a traditional classroom setting, often due to a behavioral health challenge. Programs are designed to support academic performance, improve behavior, and provide enhanced learning experiences. After an application process that included onsite visits by a team from the KDE, CIPS’ program was again deemed exemplary. It is one of only ten programs across the Commonwealth to be recognized as an Alternative Program of Distinction.
As part of this recognition, the school district was recognized at the KDE June meeting. CIPS received $2,000 from KDE for instructional support.
Established in 1882, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky (CHNK) is a premier provider of behavioral health and substance use treatment services. Outpatient and residential services are designed specifically for youth who have experienced mental illness, abuse, neglect, addiction, or other serious trauma. For more information, visit www.chnk.org.
