Inclusive Preschool
“At Next Step, we were able to relate autism to something positive. It literally changed our lives. We would not be where we are today without the team at Next Step.”
– former parent of a child enrolled in our preschool
INCLUSIVE PRESCHOOL INTEGRATION
Clients preparing to transition into an academic setting have the opportunity to receive instruction in St. Dominic Savio Academy’s onsite inclusive preschool program. With the support of their ABA therapist, they participate in a classroom setting with non-disabled peers to prepare to enter the least restrictive academic setting. Clients will be able to work on their individualized programming (with 1:1 instruction when needed) while having the benefit of a peer model in the preschool environment. Inclusion in preschool is based on availability, and client readiness for a classroom setting based on staff assessment results.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
Our Inclusive Preschool provides a three-to-one student to teacher ratio, with a maximum of 18 students, ages 3 to 5. The preschool operates Monday through Friday, from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm. The classroom is led by Michelle Hill, the Director of Preschool at St. Dominic Savio Academy, who has over twenty years of early childhood education experience. Next Step clients participating in our preschool classroom are shadowed by their ABA therapist, and the BCBA, therapist, preschool teacher, and preschool aides meet frequently to ensure continuity of services, and a high level of fidelity in planning for each client’s successful inclusion.
Our model of inclusion is designed to teach and support every student in the classroom: children with autism enrolled in Next Step, children of SDSA staff members, and children from the greater community.
With onsite access to an inclusive preschool classroom, children in Next Step have all the tools they need to ensure they can thrive in the least restrictive academic environment. Contact us today to learn more about our clinic and preschool.
Kind Words
“I am finally living the life I have always dreamed. I have a life watching my son be happy, make friends and enjoy life. I can’t believe kindergarten is over and he now reads me books. He also no longer cries at school. All the teachers and even the nurse love him. They said he has the cutest personality, which I of course agree. 🙂 I want you to know we think of you often and will never forget that you gave our son back to us.”
Mother of a son who started treatment at age 2.5
“You have played such a key role in our son’s programs and success. Just like you said, you know where we are going and the plan ahead for him. I have trusted your judgment since the first day I met you, and am confident in your skills to help him and many other ASD children; you have proven it to me over and over.”
Mother of a child who started treatment at age 2
“The staff really knew who my son was and saw all the beauty in him. Once he started Next Step and got the support he needed, that’s when he had a chance to believe in himself and know that he was understood and capable of things.”
Mother of a child who started treatment at age 4
“A minority of individuals diagnosed with autism have been able to achieve normal educational and intellectual functioning by age 7.”
– Dr. O Ivar Lovaas
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