A therapeutic recreation program in the Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland, for 24 emotionally handicapped students (grades 5 through 12) provides extended day services within a public school setting. The program was designed to meet seven goals: providing structured activities beyond the regular school day, reinforcing the students' individualized education programs, increasing students' self esteem, providing opportunities for greater interaction with peers, increasing skill levels in an assortment of leisure activities; stimulating use of constructive leisure activity as an outlet for release of energy, and increasing an awareness of and participation in community recreation programs. The diverse recreation offerings match seasonal changes as well as individual needs and interests. The program incorporates continuous assessment, evaluation, and documentation of individual's leisure functioning, of program goals, and of interaction between staff and students. Individual assessment leads to placement in specific activity groups, which may be adapted forms of team or individual sports or games. Difficulties inherent in such an approach include lack of information about therapeutic recreation among educators and the public and the school system's inflexible hiring procedures. (CL)