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Children & Tweens
 Autism Services
| For Children from Infancy through Age 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorders |
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Methodology—Verbal Behavior/Applied Behavior Analysis
Through individualized, positive reinforcement, each child is motivated to use language and communication in both academic and social environments throughout the school day. The emphasis is on communication during one-on-one sessions with teachers and in group activities with peers.
Motivation—Positive reinforcement motivates the learner. The reinforcement is based upon the individual. For one child this might mean time to draw or paint, for another it might mean watching a video, a third might prefer listening to music. A thorough and ongoing assessment of each child's skills, abilities and needs enables teachers and therapists to determine precisely which motivator will promote positive behavior, reduce negative behavior and enhance communication and learning.
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| Our Method—A successful combination of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—one-on-one teaching featuring Verbal Behavior methodology, and integrated classroom and schoolwide activities, promotes self confidence, decreases adverse behavior and encourages communication through language development. |
Early Intervention: Birth to 3 years old
How—By intervening early, educators and therapists help your child obtain the skills necessary to communicate. Learning to communicate one's needs and thoughts is the key to entry into our large world. Professionals know how to optimize positive behavior patterns and minimize negative behavior patterns so that family outings such as trips to the supermarket, visits to grandparents’ homes and vacations are pleasant experiences, so that young children learn how to successfully be part of the world around them.
Where—Center-based afternoon ABA sessions take place at Prime Time for Kids in New City. The same behavior therapists who work with your child at home each morning will also work with your child at Prime Time each afternoon. Consistency and continuity are mainstays of this successful ABA Program. After the age of two, most children enjoy center-based school.
What—Our curriculum gives even our youngest children the tools they will need for success in the preschool setting. Learning to use crayons and paints, learning the words to songs, following directions, gaining confidence on the playground, participating in schoolwide holiday celebrations, taking turns—these and other basics form the foundations of education and socialization. Occupational, physical and speech therapies are provided on an individual basis as needed. Children are active participants in inclusive settings including music, lunch, playground activities and holiday shows. With computers in every room, trips to destinations such as the Big Apple Circus and Matterhorn Nursery, the classroom walls expand to include the broader community-at-large.
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 Preschool: 3 to 5 years old
How—The emphasis on vocalization, sign langue and the use of communication devices enables children to acquire language skills in one-on-one teaching sessions and group activities. Verbal Behavior/ Applied Behavior Analysis is incorporated into all activities throughout the school day.
What—Traditional preschool academic work focuses pre-reading activities with attention to the alphabet, numbers, colors and play skills. Lessons in science take place as children watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis or observe a flower sprout from seed. Schoolwide holiday programs, arts and crafts, lunch with children of varying abilities and inclusive classes are among the many daily activities.
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School-Age: Kindergarten to 21 years old
How—Verbal Behavior/ Applied Behavior Analysis
The emphasis on vocalization and sign language helps children acquire language skills in both one-on-one teaching sessions and group activities throughout the school day.
What—Academic and prevocational curriculum includes math, reading, language arts, social studies, science and social and leisure activities. Physical education and participation in school-wide performances are part of the regular school schedule. Computers in every room and trips to destinations of interest, including local merchants and recreational sites, keep students active in the community-at-large. Speech, occupational and physical therapy are provided on a per child basis as needed. Certified Behavior Analysts provide ongoing functional behavior assessments. Junior high school and high school-age students regularly visit Franklin Square, ARC’s post high school campus in Pearl River where they discover options for higher education and potential careers. They sit in on classes and meet with young men and women enrolled in courses taught at Franklin Square.
Weekly swim classes in the indoor therapeutic pool on the grounds of Prime Time for Kids; supervised cooking in the school’s kitchen; art projects, public speaking, performances (including piano lessons on site), and trips to local libraries, supermarkets, and local retail establishments, are a few of the extras that round out the curriculum, as it teaches social developmental skills.
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After School Enrichment Experience
For school-age children and parents
This program, available to school-age children enrolled in the OPWDD Medicaid Waiver offers one-on-one and group activities to help children learn to interact with friends, follow directions, problem solve and take turns. Parents learn to incorporate ABA methods into daily life at home and in the community. Overseen by Certified Behavior Analysts and ABA trained teaching assistants, the enrichment experience offers indoor and outdoor sports, computer games, snacks, crafts and Parent Training in ABA techniques—all with an eye toward socialization, communication and comfort in negotiating the broader community. |
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Vacation Respite
For school-age children
During regular school vacations, students enjoy activities, trips, games, sports and crafts with friends.
Contacts
Donna Bogin, Prime Time for Kids Learning Center at 845-639-2425 or
DonnaBogin@arcofrockland.org.
Dale Fisher, Franklin Square at 845-735-5135 or
DFisher@arcofrockland.org.
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