GRADS Teen Parent Program

Welcome to GRADS. GRADS is an in school program for pregnant teens and young parents. Students are enrolled in Bellingham School District Options High School and are working toward an academic goal of high school graduation. The GRADS program offers high school credit for class work and individual activities related to healthy pregnancy, positive parenting, gaining economic independence and developing a positive self. Relevant academic credit and skills are integrated into the program.

Schedule

GRADS will be subdivided into two, eighteen week semesters. Credit will be earned as outcomes and content areas for specific subjects are completed. All students will participate in the morning classes where activities, ideas, and skills directly related to the GRADS goals will be presented. Class starts at 9:10 and ends at 2:50.

Minimum Coursework

All GRADS students are encouraged to carry a full load or coursework. To remain at GRADS each student must complete at least 6 courses each semester. Students are expected to work on independent study courses when they are on maternity leave. If there are complications during late pregnancy, each student will develop an Individual Student Plan, with the teacher’s guidance, and must make realistic progress toward that plan.

Courses Available

Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition*	Global Science
Child Development Theory*	Human Science Survey
S.T.A.R.S. Basics in Child Care*	Applied Math
Project-based Learning	Speech
Parenting	Biology 1 and 2
Surviving on Your Own	Environmental Science Survey
Health	GRADS Elective
English 1-7	Fine Arts
U.S. History 1 and 2	PE Self Directed Study
World History 1 and 2	Math Skills Contact
Washington/World Geography	Nova Net Computer Classes
Independent Reading	Citizenship

Attendance Policy

The GRADS Program and GRADS students have unique needs that impact the attendance policy. In order to provide an adequate number of child care providers and in order to model the responsibilities of the work world, students must call the GRADS office before 8:30 a.m. in order to be excused. A note or parent/guardian contact with the GRADS office must b e received within two days following the day of absence in order for it to be excused.

Closed Campus

GRADS has a closed campus policy for lunch break. Students must remain on campus. Breakfast and lunch are available daily from the Kulshan kitchen. Students can order school lunch or they may bring their own lunch. The classroom has both a refrigerator and a microwave. Students are encouraged to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. The development of good nutritional habits is an important part of GRADS curriculum. Therefore, junk food and empty calorie food, including pop are not allowed in the classroom. Students are encouraged to bring nutritious snacks and beverages. Students can use their lunch break to spend time with their infants.

Visitors

Visitation by parents is always welcome; however, visitors must be approved two days prior to the scheduled visit. Visits are limited to 30 minutes. Visitors must have a complete criminal history background check on file and adhere to the GRADS guidelines as well as the guidelines of the school district and the state. Visitors in the daycare center are limited to immediate family. Prospective students are encouraged to make arrangements to visit the program and should contact the GRADS teacher prior to visiting the program.

Prospective students are encouraged to make arrangements to visit the program and should contact the GRADS teacher prior to visiting the program.

Internet Resources

GRADS Childcare Center

The GRADS Childcare Center is a fully is a fully licensed facility. We keep a ratio of one caregiver to three babies. All caregivers are fully accredited in S.T.A.R.S. Babies can be in the daycare from age 1 month to 18 months. The staff plans a variety of activities to meet the appropriate developmental levels of each child. The caring childcare staff includes Rebecca Pendergraft, Stephanie Schroeder and Judy Wahlborg. The daycare is open from 8:30 to 3:30.