Early Learning

Research shows the critical importance of Early,
Intensive Intervention …

Early intervention research suggests that learners benefit from 20 to 40 hours of applied behavior analysis (ABA) intervention per week ⁽¹﹐²⁾. Research also suggests that children younger in age at intake were more likely to be placed in regular education classrooms ⁽³⁾ 

Children in our Seedlings classroom receive over 22 hours per week of ABA therapy. Our program runs Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. Full day options are available for children who require more intervention.

Finding the joy in learning through play…

Play is our vehicle for learning opportunities. In the Seedlings classroom, children learn through emotionally rich activities with trained therapists and peers to increase social communication skills.

Why do we place a heavy emphasis on learning through play?

• Emphasizes the child’s motivation and active engagement so that the child finds learning meaningful

• Promotes development of self-control, goal directed behavior, planning/organization skills, problem solving, and perseverance

• Promotes social-emotional development by building self-control, flexibility, perspective, turn taking, sharing, etc.

• Supports development of physical skills, imitation, visual/perceptual skills, communication/vocabulary, literacy, and math 

• Play is FUN!  Learning through play creates shared connections and memories with others.  We remember more when we enjoy what we are learning!

Building foundational skills that last a lifetime….

In Seedlings, children will learn:

School skills:

• Follow routines typical of an early childhood classroom

• Learn in a group setting

Social Emotional Skills:

• Empathy, perspective taking, and emotional-regulation

• Build fulfilling relationships with other children and teachers

Life skills: 

• Daily living/self-care

• Responsibility of personal belongings

• Safety skills

Language and cognitive development:

• Advocacy and goal direction 

• Make connections between therapy and life outside the clinic

• Literacy

• Expand vocabulary

With embedded supports that allows for optimal learning ….

Seedlings children benefit from a dynamic program model delivered by a specialized team of experienced providers: 

• 1-on-1 intensive teaching, which includes opportunities for group instruction

• Individualized programming, integrating ABA/verbal behavior and naturalistic developmental approach

• Certified therapists (Registered Behavior Technicians) with specialty training in early intervention, languate acquisition, and the Early Start Denver Model

• Program oversight and daily contact with Master’s level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBAs)

• Multi-disciplinary consultant team with experienced related service providers providing embedded supports consistent with best practices across disciplines including Speech and Occupational Therapy:

• Dually licensed SLP/BCBA

• Occupational Therapist

Collaboration to support skills beyond the therapy
room leads to optimal outcomes…

Family Involvement & Coordination of Care

Research shows that parent and family involvement is best practice in early autism intervention ⁽⁴⁾. We believe caregiver involvement is key to a child’s success….

• We partner with families  to understand their unique family values and long-term goals for their child when designing a child’s individualized treatment plan

• We teach parents how to use the techniques that we are using in the clinic and transfer them to the home

• We facilitate transition planning to support coordination of care with future providers and school teams

• We communicate with a child’s related service provider(s), doctors and other providers to ensure continuity of care

Program outcomes…. 

Using individualized assessment tools, our team tracks daily and monthly progress to make determinations about reducing the number of therapy hours. It is our goal to transition your child to a learning environment that is best suited to their specific needs. When our data suggest that a child is ready to make this transition by achieving important milestones, we create a plan and recommendations for this important transition…

Children in our Early Learner program have received ABA for an average duration of 15 months (n=6, 2020-2023)

83% of children in our Early Learner program (who have received services from us for a minimum of 8 months) have transitioned to a generalized learning environment (i.e., inclusion center, preschool program) (n=6, 2020-2023)

In-Network Insurance Partners

Need help with funding? 

We accept the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver! Click here for more information from Debbie Dobbs, Education Consultant and Child Advocate, to learn about the program and if your child might qualify. 

References: 

1. Dawson, G. & Osterling, J. (1997). Early intervention in autism: Effectiveness and common elements of current approaches. In M.J. Guralnick (Ed.), The effectiveness of early intervention: Second generation research (pp. 307–326). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

2. Harris, S.L., & Handleman, J.S. (2000). Age and IQ at intake as predictors of placement for young children with autism: A four- to six-year follow-up. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(2), 137 – 142.

3. Dawson G., Rogers S., Munson J., Smith M., Winter J., Greenson J., Donaldson A., and Varley J. Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Intervention for Toddlers With Autism: The Early Start Denver Model. Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2009).

4. National Research Council, 2001