Residential Services for Youth with Autism

Meet Our Director of Residential Autism Services Eric Feitl!

 

Located on our 32-acre Shaker Heights, Ohio campus, Monarch Residential Autism Services is a unique residential treatment program comprised of three separate but closely affiliated entities. Two of the three (Monarch Boarding Academy North and Monarch Boarding Academy South) are licensed Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) that serve individuals ages 8 up to age 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and often other co-occurring diagnoses. The third (Monarch Boarding Academy West), is a licensed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) that serves children ages 6 through 12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. All three programs help residents develop the skill sets they need, including but not limited to communication, sensory awareness, executive functioning, and life skills, so they can return home or to a less-restrictive setting.

Virtual Tour of Monarch Center for Autism

Program Features

Residents at Monarch Boarding Academy (MBA) live in comfortable, secure, home-like facilities designed and staffed to enhance social, behavioral, communicative, functional, pre-vocational, and academic growth. Individuals are assigned to a mixed gender program based on age, functional ability, peer group, and clinical presentation. MBA North and South (QRTP) can accommodate up to 10 residents each, and MBA West (PRTF) up to 6 residents. Each resident has their own bedroom. The average length of stay for QRTP is variable based on residents’ needs. The PRTF has a maximum 6 month stay.

To accommodate individuals with varied symptoms, capabilities, needs, ages, and levels of development, Monarch Residential Autism Services’ programming is highly individualized and well organized. Each person’s day, from wake-up to bedtime, is structured and consistent including personal grooming, meal preparation, and recreation. For QRTP residents, educational services are provided five days a week from 8:25am to 2:40pm at Monarch Residential Education School, located in an adjacent building within walking distance. PRTF residents receive educational services in alignment with their IEP/SP, which may include placement at Monarch Residential Education School or in an appropriate alternative setting. On weekends and days off from school (including 4 weeks over the summer), individuals follow their residential routines and schedules and engage in socialization and group skill building activities including cooking club and community outings.

Each resident’s schedule is individualized, and skills are taught in one-on-one and small group settings. Below are interventions and activities offered to residents:

Each resident follows an individualized daily schedule based on their unique strengths, goals, and needs. Skills are taught through one-on-one instruction and small group activities, with programming guided by ongoing assessment and individualized treatment planning.

 

  • Comprehensive assessments in both residential and school settings
  • Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs)
  • Individualized Education Plans/Service Plans (IEPs/SPs)

 

 

  • Sensory regulation supports and coping strategies
  • Visual supports for instruction, organization, transitions, and communication
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including Speech Generating Devices (SGDs)

 

 

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to teach and reinforce new skills
  • Social skills instruction focused on communication, collaboration, friendship, and conflict resolution
  • Fine and gross motor activities to improve coordination, mobility, and physical wellness

 

 

  • Personal hygiene
  • Laundry and household routines
  • Cooking and nutrition
  • Money management
  • Leisure and recreation skills
  • First aid and personal safety

 

 

  • Academic instruction
  • Pre-vocational skill development
  • Recreation and leisure activities
  • Community outings that promote independence, social engagement, and real-world skill application

 

Healthcare Coordination

We prioritize the health, safety and well-being of the youth we serve. All Monarch Residential Autism Services clients have access to routine and preventative medical and dental care on our campus (link to Office of Healthcare Coordination or Zest Pediatrics/Infinite Smiles).

Upon admission, all individuals receive a comprehensive physical examination. Psychiatric and physical healthcare needs are assessed and provided for the entirety of their treatment. For those with more intensive medical needs, we facilitate access to world-class healthcare through partnerships with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.

Explore our collection of visual supports, archived webinars, and social media resources to learn more.
Monarch Resources
Contact Our Admissions Team
Take a Virtual Tour of our Facilities

Residential Education School

All Monarch Boarding Academy North and South (QRTP) residents attend Monarch Residential Education School, a division of Monarch School and a chartered non-public school licensed by the Ohio Department of Education. Located adjacent to Monarch Boarding Academy, students transition seamlessly between home and school each day in a highly supportive environment.

By the Numbers
  • 195-day school year (mid-August through mid-July)
  • School day: 8:25 a.m.–2:40 p.m.
  • Small educational teams: 5–6 students
  • Individualized instruction: One-on-one and small group learning
  • Serving students nationwide through single-case agreements
Individualized Learning & Therapies

Students receive instruction aligned with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Service Plan (SP) and supported by Monarch’s Visual Language Immersion Treatment Model. Educational teams include:

  • Intervention Specialists and Supervisory Teachers
  • Instructional Assistants
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Behavior Analysts, Behavior Specialists, and Registered Behavior Technicians
  • Music and Art Therapists

Students receive academic instruction, speech and occupational therapy services, and specialized supports designed to help them make meaningful progress toward graduation requirements.

Enriching Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Learning extends beyond the classroom through community-based experiences, prevocational training opportunities, and social activities that foster independence and connection.

Students may participate in:

  • Community field trips
  • Prevocational work experiences
  • Cooking clubs
  • Dances and holiday celebrations
  • Spirit weeks and field day activities
  • Art and music therapy

Educational technology, including Speech Generating Devices, is integrated throughout the school day, and student progress is monitored through a robust data collection system to ensure individualized growth and success.

Residential Education School Calendar (2026-27)

Outcomes/Testimonials

"I cannot say enough about the entire staff at Bellefaire JCB. They understood my son and his needs very quickly into his stay and developed an appropriate treatment plan that included behaviors, medical challenges, and his re-engagement into the academic process. They were consistent, firm, loving, kind, and supportive... This was the first facility he has been in where I could just be mom. They gave us hope for his future, which we had begun to lose."

– Family of a SCCU/ITU client from California

 

"I cannot say enough about the entire staff at Bellefaire JCB. They understood my son and his needs very quickly into his stay and developed an appropriate treatment plan that included behaviors, medical challenges, and his re-engagement into the academic process. They were consistent, firm, loving, kind, and supportive... This was the first facility he has been in where I could just be mom. They gave us hope for his future, which we had begun to lose."

– Family of a SCCU/ITU client from California

 

"I cannot say enough about the entire staff at Bellefaire JCB. They understood my son and his needs very quickly into his stay and developed an appropriate treatment plan that included behaviors, medical challenges, and his re-engagement into the academic process. They were consistent, firm, loving, kind, and supportive... This was the first facility he has been in where I could just be mom. They gave us hope for his future, which we had begun to lose."

– Family of a SCCU/ITU client from California

"I cannot say enough about the entire staff at Bellefaire JCB. They understood my son and his needs very quickly into his stay and developed an appropriate treatment plan that included behaviors, medical challenges, and his re-engagement into the academic process. They were consistent, firm, loving, kind, and supportive... This was the first facility he has been in where I could just be mom. They gave us hope for his future, which we had begun to lose."

– Family of a SCCU/ITU client from California

 

"I cannot say enough about the entire staff at Bellefaire JCB. They understood my son and his needs very quickly into his stay and developed an appropriate treatment plan that included behaviors, medical challenges, and his re-engagement into the academic process. They were consistent, firm, loving, kind, and supportive... This was the first facility he has been in where I could just be mom. They gave us hope for his future, which we had begun to lose."

– Family of a SCCU/ITU client from California

Our residential team provides around-the-clock support in a structured, therapeutic environment designed to foster independence, skill development, and overall well-being.

Director: Eric Feitl, MA, BCBA, COBA

Leadership & Program Oversight

  • Director (Master’s degree or higher)
  • Program Managers (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree)
  • Staff Development Coordinator (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree)

Residential Support Team

  • Floor Supervisors (High school diploma and/or Bachelor’s degree)
  • Autism Treatment Specialists (High school diploma and/or Bachelor’s degree)

 

Our educational professionals deliver individualized instruction and therapeutic supports that help students achieve academic, social, and behavioral success.

Director: Jennifer O’Keefe, LPCC-S
Assistant Director: Monica Fisher, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
 
  • Administration
  • Intervention Specialists
  • Supervisory Teachers
  • Instructional Assistants
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Behavior Analysts
  • Behavior Specialists
  • Registered Behavior Technicians
  • Art Therapist
  • Music Therapist

Our healthcare team ensures students receive integrated medical, behavioral health, and wellness services to support their overall development.

Medical Director: Emily Cao, MD

  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists
  • Therapists
  • Pediatrician
  • Dentist
  • Licensed Dietitian
  • Registered Nurses

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a residential program is an important decision, and we understand that families have many questions. The following FAQs are designed to provide helpful information about daily life at Monarch Boarding Academy, including clinical care, education, communication, and residential supports. Our team is committed to partnering with families every step of the way to ensure each child receives compassionate, individualized care.

Prior to your child’s admission, tours are scheduled on a flexible basis based on the clinical team’s availability.

What are meals like, and can families provide food?
Meals are prepared by Normandy Catering Services and approved by Bellefaire’s Registered Dietitian. Residents’ allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences are documented upon admission, and every effort is made to prevent exposure and cross-contamination. When appropriate, food variety goals may be incorporated into treatment plans to expand tolerated foods. Healthy snacks are available throughout the day.

What is my child allowed to have in their room?
Residents may have comfort items and personal belongings based on individual needs, safety considerations, and flammability requirements. Items may be kept in bedrooms or in secure storage areas as appropriate.

Can my child have their communication device?
Yes. Communication devices are encouraged, and our Speech-Language Pathologists can assist with programming and maintenance as needed.

Can my child have a tablet or other personal electronics? Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. Personal electronics may be used during designated leisure times and are securely stored when not in use. Wi-Fi is available throughout campus.

What does a typical weekend look like?
Weekends include structured recreational activities, community outings, and social skill-building opportunities. Residents maintain consistent routines while practicing skills in a variety of settings with appropriate supports.

How and when will my child interact with peers?
Residents have opportunities for social interaction throughout the day, including meals, group activities, school, community outings, and recreational programming.

How often do residents access the community?
Residents participate in community outings and field trips when appropriate to support skill generalization and social engagement. Participation is based on each individual’s ability to maintain safety in the community.

Is there nursing support and medication management?
Yes. Monarch nurses oversee medication administration and monitor residents’ healthcare needs.

How are medical and dental appointments handled?
Residents have access to on-campus medical and dental services, including annual checkups, sick visits, vaccinations, blood draws, and dental care. Sedation options are available when needed.

Zest Pediatrics provides concierge medical services at the Wuliger Wellness Center on Bellefaire JCB’s campus. Pediatricians from Zest provide medical care to residents from Monarch Boarding Academy including annual well visits, blood draws, vaccinations, sick visits, and more.

Infinite Smiles Dentistry, led by Dr. Shreya Mody, provides dental services to residents from Monarch Boarding Academy at the Wuliger Wellness Center on Bellefaire JCB’s campus. They have a mobile anesthesia unit for sedation if needed.

Will my child receive 1:1 support?
Monarch typically operates with a 2:1 resident-to-staff ratio. Additional staffing, including 1:1 support, is provided as needed based on individual needs and safety.

Are there spaces for regulation and de-escalation?
Yes. Residents have access to sensory rooms, quiet spaces, gross motor areas, playgrounds, and their bedrooms to support regulation and de-escalation.

How are incidents communicated to families?
Families are notified of significant incidents, including physical management, within 24 hours via their preferred communication method. Staff are trained in Safety-Care®, an evidence-based approach focused on prevention, de-escalation, and safety.

Does Monarch have a restraint policy?
Yes. Monarch uses the least restrictive interventions possible and prioritizes prevention and de-escalation strategies. Physical restraint is used only in emergency situations to prevent harm and is never used for discipline, convenience, or retaliation.

Does Monarch have an anti-bullying policy?
Yes. Monarch is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying and works to ensure every student is treated with dignity, respect, and safety.

Case management updates are shared with each client’s parents/guardians regularly via either email, telephone call or MS Teams (based on the family’s preference).

Residential Education Program Communication Forms are scanned to families either daily or weekly based on the family’s preference.

In the event of an incident (including but not limited to physical management), an incident report will be shared with the guardians/caregivers within 24 hours via email or phone (based on their preferred method).

Accreditations

           

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