1.) Do I have to stay with my child in the classroom? (Back to Top)

Parents are provided an environment to learn with their child in the Parent & Child program, which is for the youngest children. Overall the decision by the conductor team includes several factors, such as the age of the child and the child’s/family’s needs.

2.) What can I expect my child to achieve in the program? (Back to Top)

The program works with the whole child; that is, the child’s developmental needs are addressed from a cognitive, psychological, emotional and physical perspective. After the child is assessed by a conductor, specific goals are set for the child. Each child’s route and timeline toward maximum independence depends on many factors, including the support of the family, the child’s motivation, the type and severity of the disability and the age of the child.

3.) Why does the program use a group setting? (Back to Top)

Conductive education uses the dynamics of group interaction. This setting provides the opportunity for children to motivate and learn from each other, while in an age appropriate setting that allows social interaction.

4.) What financial assistance is available to me? (Back to Top)

If parents feel they need financial assistance, the executive director will meet with the parents and provide 10-15 ideas on how the family can access the numerous financial resources found in every community. Along with possible help from other parents who have been through the same thing, the family is expected to make these contacts. After these efforts are made and a need still exists, parents complete a financial support request form, which goes to a board created committee to make the final decision for additional scholarship assistance.

5.) Do I have to continue with the exercises while at home? (Back to Top)

Parents should encourage the child to use the movements learned in class that improve the everyday functioning of the child. An example of these life skills would be for parents to give the child the opportunity to use silverware when eating, instead of a parent feeding the child.

6.) What type of disability does this program best help? (Back to Top)

Conductive education works best with about 80-90% of the child population that has cerebral palsy or spina bifida.

7.) What keeps children motivated for 3 to 6 hours a day? (Back to Top)

The program is planned daily with age appropriate academic themes and motivation techniques of repetition, music, singing, and game-like activities in a group setting. A child’s educational environment includes daily living skills of eating, toileting, putting on shoes and socks, etc. Children respond positively to these activities.

8.) What specialized training do the conductors have? Are they therapists? (Back to Top)

Conductors have been trained at the International Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary, receiving elementary education and special education credentials, which are recognized in the U.S. While the conductors are not American credentialed therapists, the training received at the Peto Institute parallels many parts of what physical, occupational and speech therapists receive in the U.S.

9.) Are there parents available who can give specifics about their child? (Back to Top)

Yes. Please go to the “Success Stories” area of the web site. This section provides a series of letters from parents speaking about their child and the program.

10.) Is the program available in other states? (Back to Top)

Yes, there are approximately 30 other programs in the U.S., but the Conductive Learning Center has the only program directed and supervised by the International Peto Institute throughout the year.

11.) Are any doctors supporting this program? (Back to Top)

Yes, there are doctors in the U.S., who have provided written support for conductive education. Locally, the Conductive Learning Center collaborates with Mary Free Bed Hospital in providing services to children enrolled at Conductive Learning Center.

12.) If I don’t live near Grand Rapids, can I still participate in the program? (Back to Top)

Yes, many of our out-state and out-of-state parents stay at the local Ronald McDonald House while their child attends a scheduled intensive session of four to eight weeks in length.