At PRAISE we strive to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities with a person centered program designed to maximize inclusion and opportunities for happiness, vocation, independence, friendship and community involvement through a variety of meaningful daily activities in a naturally reinforcing setting. PRAISE today for a better tomorrow!
We are open!
We proudly opened our doors on August 4, 2024, and are honored to be serving our clients and the greater community. Every day, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. We are making a positive impact in the lives of our participants, their families, and the community as a whole and we look forward to continuing this journey and building a place where adults with disabilities can truly thrive.
My name is Judy White, and I am the Owner and Director of PRAISE Day Program.
The development of this program has been a dream of mine for more than 20 years.I have lived in Yucaipa for 26 years and served as a high school special education teacher for over three decades, with the last 15 years dedicated specifically to the Adult Transition age population (18–22).
I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education and am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience working with individuals with significant disabilities and behavioral challenges.
During my time in education, I designed and developed an exemplary Adult Transition Program for the Redlands Unified School District, which was nominated for the California Golden Bell Award on two separate occasions. That program reflected much of what I envisioned my future adult day program would one day be.
In June 2024, I retired from Redlands USD to fully dedicate myself to creating PRAISE Day Program. My passion stems from a deep awareness that adults with disabilities are an underserved population in need of quality programs, particularly in the Yucaipa and Redlands area. I have witnessed this gap firsthand through my former students, many of whom struggled to find appropriate local programs after leaving high school. I also know this need personally, as I am the caretaker for my adult sister who has both physical and intellectual disabilities. PRAISE Day Program was built to meet this need, offering a supportive, engaging, and purpose-driven environment where adults can learn, grow, and thrive within their own community.
The PRAISE Day Program’s purpose is to provide training and support services to each individual in the natural setting as much as possible, with individual interests, strengths, and preferences a priority to help each person achieve the highest level of independence possible. The program focuses on developing skills in the areas of vocational training, independent living, social skills, community integration and self-advocacy in a positively reinforced environment to help individuals achieve greater independence and quality of life. Our anticipated outcomes align with the foundation of the program: positive reinforcement, respect, ability, independence, socialization and natural environment.
P • Increased skill acquisition and self management in areas the individual finds joy, motivated by positive reinforcement and naturally occurring reinforcers to encourage generalization and maintenance of skill development.
R • Increased self advocacy and communication skills in order to be valued as an individual whose rights, wishes and boundaries are respected.
A • Increased vocational skills and working in a job of their choice to the best of their ability.
I • Increased independence in independent living skills to be able to do as much for themself as possible.
S • Increased social skills to build friendships, enjoy new experiences and participate in a variety of recreational activities.
E • Increased community skills in the naturally occurring environment to experience fulfilling social and vocational activities.
• Social Skills
• Personal Safety
• Self Advocacy/Communication
• Community Training
• Shopping
• Budgeting/Money Skills
• Nutrition
• Following a Recipe
• Cooking/Meal Prep
• Domestic Skills
• Following a Schedule
• Personal Appearance/Hygiene
• Vocational Training
• Job Interview Skills
• Self Management
PRAISE Day Program will promote a person centered approach and provide a welcoming environment where social preferences will be respected. Opportunities for socialization will be built into the program where participants will be given a voice in choices. All will be encouraged to mingle and interact with others to build friendships and daily activities will be designed to promote socialization and skill building. Schedules will be flexible and participants will be allowed to select which sessions or events they attend, when possible.
"We could not believe the level of personal growth, skill development, acceleration in expressive communication, and excitement in our daughter to participate in the experiences during her years with Judy."
K.M., Parent from 2022-2024
"We have seen our son flourish… Judy’s (high) expectations have made a huge improvement for him socially and moving forward towards possible employment one day."
C.W., Parent from 2018-2022
Questions & Comments
Now accepting applications for Direct Support Staff!
Apply HereAppeals & Complaints
Click Here