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WHERE CONNECTION THRIVES

OUR COMMUNITY

Daily life at Spark Homestead is designed to move students out of survival mode and into meaningful connection mode. Guided by our trauma-informed Think, Learn, Contribute (TLC) framework, treatment unfolds in real time through in-the-moment coaching, low-demand check-ins, and consistent daily routines. From hands-on homesteading and animal care to structured group therapy and nightly reflection meetings, students are supported as they develop internal accountability, self-regulation, and felt safety. 

Spark Homestead’s ratio of 1 caregiver to every 3 students provides the intentional attunement neurodivergent youth need to build confidence and trust. Based on the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency) model, our relational caregiving system ensures every child experiences consistent, predictable support across every shift. “My coaches really, really care about me,” you will hear on your tour. “They help me so much.”​

THE CAREGIVING SYSTEM

THE TLC MODEL

Our Think, Learn, Contribute (TLC) framework turns daily responsibility into growth. Rather than a traditional level or points-based program, TLC gives students a trauma-informed structure where coaches check in each shift on effort, not perfection—building the self-regulation, internal motivation, and confidence students carry beyond Homestead.

ARC: Attachment, Regulation, and Competency

Our residential coaching system follows the ARC trauma therapy framework to build safe, trusting relationships between students and caregivers.
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1:3 Attunement Ration

  • We maintain 1 caregiver for every 3 students, providing the individualized attention neurodivergent youth need to feel safe and understood.

Staff Affect Management

  • Coaches operate on alternating-day schedules to maintain high energy, practice self-reflection, and bring a grounded, peaceful presence to the home.

Real-Time Coaching

  • Therapists and shift leads work alongside caregivers daily to provide in-the-moment support and DBT skill alignment.

COMMUNITY REWARDS & CELEBRATIONS

C-Bucks

  • Daily rewards earned for effort, kindness, and service, which students can spend weekly at our C Store.

Wellness Wednesday

  • Off-grounds activities for students demonstrating 72 consecutive hours of safe, self-regulated behavior.

Super Saturday

  • Extended weekend activities for students maintaining active Learn or Contribute status for at least 70% of the week.

We would love to have you visit Homestead and see the caregiving system at work!

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