Sample Program Schedule for
The Early Start Autism Program
Below is a comprehensive schedule for a day in the early start autism program. Students receive individual and small group therapies throughout the course of the day. These include Occupational, Speech and Behavioral Therapy, as well as other therapies based on the student’s individual needs.
The Early Start Autism Program Schedule
Our Early Start Autism Program is an educational program embedded into a therapeutic environment. Every aspect of the program-from the deliberate architecture to the comprehensive curriculum-is custom designed to support and nurture each child’s specific needs.
The program also aims to increase each child’s self-esteem. This occurs through positive support by our staff, and more importantly, by them completing tasks and mastering challenges.
We offer continuous family support to help our students’ continue learning and interacting in many different environments.
Arrival and Bathroom/Hand Washing
During arrival we have a defined procedure each student learns to follow, such as greeting the teacher (verbally or non-verbally) and putting personal items away. We then actively engage in activities, and/or engage in parallel play, finishing off by cleaning up with the group and taking groups to the restroom in turns before beginning the first session.
Opening
During our transition students work on walking quietly down the hall and following toilet and hand washing procedures independently.
Session Time #1
Different activities are in store for everyone during Session 1! Activities include our hello routine, object activities, sensory social routines, motor movement activities. This session includes snack.
Session Time #2
Specific ESDM goals will be targeted in this session with a gross motor activity. This session also includes an opening routine as well as object activities, sensory social routines, and motor movement activities.
Self-Care and Preparations for Lunch
Teachers take groups to restrooms. Students follow all the steps of using the toilet and hand-washing, and all restroom procedures such as sitting on stools and waiting for his or her turn.
Lunch & Cleanup
Students identify their name on the mat and chairs, and follow 1 or 2 step directions. We target feeding goals and spend time talking about food, using descriptive words to engage the students. Students focus on using the appropriate utensils, and on requesting the desired item using visual icon or a verbal exchange. Transition while cleaning up and prepare for quiet time.
Quiet Time
Each student rests independently and quietly on a mat, possibly using books, busy bags, puzzles and other items.
Story Time
Teachers guide students to find a seat in the story area.
Session Time #3
Session 3 includes different activities, including our hello routine, object activities, sensory social routines, motor movement activities.
Social Skills or Music and Movement
Students are together as a group, working on social skills or doing music and movement activity. Restroom is used during this time.
Closing & Dismissal
Each student gets ready for departure, using or requesting help as needed.
We Can Help With
Our Early Start Autism Program is structured to aid in the teaching of developmental skills for children ages 3 – 6 years. Developmental areas addressed include:
- Communication and play skills
- Social / emotional interaction
- Cognition
- Repetitive patterns of behavior or interests
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Personal independence
How We Help
- Play-based environment
- Ongoing assessment and data collection
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- ABA / verbal behavior
- Music therapy
Curriculum Focus
Every aspect of the Early Start Autism Program is custom designed to support the specific needs of each child. Our nurturing, educational environment helps children develop a strong foundation and helps them improve developmentally.
The curriculum draws from various theories rooted in different disciplines such as early childhood education, special education, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and psychology. Our specialists are trained and certified in popular models, such as the Early Start Denver Model, TEACCH, DIRFloortime® and Social Thinking models.
We create an individualized program for your child based on their current level of performance. This will help them achieve the greatest success possible.
Enrollment Process
Enrollment is open all year-round. We’ll meet with you and your child during the application process to determine if the Early Start Autism Program is the best option.