How This Works

by Maria Corse


A few weeks ago, I spent time updating the Deep Root Center website: rewriting some pages that were “old and tired”, generally cleaning things up, and adding pages to reflect our current program offerings. I was dismayed to discover, as I was knee deep in the process, that the The How This Works page had disappeared --- had been deleted. After a few choice words and a mini tantrum, (Yes, I was alone; there were no children around to witness my meltdown.) I was debating whether to re-write it, or, to leave it off the website permanently. As you can see, I decided (despite the low number of views and that most people call to get the details), we must provide multiple routes (modalities) to this important information in the same way we work with our student members.


Making the Decision:


The process of becoming a Deep Center Member is fairly simple, however, as with most things, the first step is the most difficult --- making that decision --- consciously choosing self-directed learning, and willingly (excitedly) taking charge of your education. Deep Root Center staff is available to meet with youth and their families to discuss whether this is the correct educational environment to satisfy their specific learning style, personality, as well as needs. Students are also welcome to visit for a day or two to hang out, explore, and participate in activities and classes to help them decide if DRC is right for them.


Creating a Customized Learning Plan:


Once a young person determines that Deep Root Center is where they want to pursue their education, they meet with me, the Executive Director, to explore all the possibilities and map out their personal educational plan, based on their unique interests. I facilitate this process, which varies depending upon the age of the student, through discussion and recommendations, and, by asking a multitude of questions. We then create an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), the formal document and legal mechanism that allows students to leave traditional school to participate at DRC, which is derived from our conversation.


Completing the Application:


Families fill out the Deep Root Center member application and student members are asked to sign the community agreement, and member contract along with their parents. A staff person then reviews the specific terms agreed upon in the financial contract (and scholarship application) with the family.


A Personal Advisor:


The student members, ages 9-18, are assigned a personal advisor who meets weekly with each youth, using the DRC on-line portfolio tool, to discuss and imagine goals, talk about difficult situations, provide resources, track progress, and facilitate tutorials and community connections. The advisor will also help the student write the Quarterly Progress Reports that are required by NYS. This supportive, mentoring relationship is the very core of the Deep Root Center experience.


The Seedling members, ages 5-8, have an ongoing connection with the Seedling's facilitator, as well as other staff members and volunteers, who are able to anecdotally and quantitatively track individual development through conversations and interactions on a daily basis. This information is included in their NYS mandated Quarterly Progress Reports.


Daily Life at DRC:


Members spend time here working on independent academic and hands – on, creative pursuits, playing music, taking classes or tutorials, and hanging out with their friends, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

​The classes and tutorials in Deep Root Center's ten week block schedule represent the interests of our students as well as staff members and volunteers. Youth are expected to choose a handful of classes each ten week block, use DRC in a meaningful way, and attend the Center at least two - three days each week.


The Seedlings Program follows a monthly theme to introduce new ideas and concepts, which are presented in an open, comfortable environment that engages all of the student's senses with imaginative, fun, and engrossing activities. Play and creativity are the backbone of this program.


DRC is a safe environment that provides an active and supportive multi-age social network.


A New Way to Approach Learning, Education, and Life:


Deep Root Center focuses on each individual: their strengths, interests, talents, and goals. We meet kids where they are, and, support them to travel wherever their passions lead, do whatever interests them, and become whomever they want to be. We ask them the big questions like: What problems in the world would you like to work on? How can you use your life and skills to help others? And, quite simply, what makes you happy?

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​DRC NEWS


A HUGE thank you to Jordan and his Fraternity Brothers at Delta Omega Epsilon for designing and implementing the first annual, awesomely, scary Haunted House for our fundraiser, yesterday. If you missed the fun, we plan on recreating this event next year!

Check Us Out
As we approach the ten week marking period and parent/teacher conferences, keep in mind that Deep Root Center can be a viable educational option for your child, if they are unhappy and/or struggling. Please get in touch to discuss the possibilities.

Seedlings Program
The Seedlings November Theme is family. Please find the Seedlings Newsletter here.

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