Welcome to the ABA Program at the ECC!
We are part of the district-wide program offering ABA services to students who will benefit from these teaching methodologies. At the ECC, this program is currently called ABA (new name to be determined), but it is known as PACE in the older grades. We are also very much a part of the wonderful community here at the ECC!
The ABA classrooms run on a full day schedule across the week, 9-2:50. Students have snack (provided by parents) twice per day, and stay for lunch (provided by parents) and rest. Per Early Childhood regulations, rest time is 45 minutes. Depending upon an individual student's needs, students in the ABA program spend time with typically developing peers on the playground, in an inclusion classroom, or peers spend time with us in the ABA classroom. Your child's inclusion routine will be discussed and shared with you.
The ABA classroom has a lead teacher, Carolyn Beaumier or Kate Brown, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis-Program Assistants (ABA-PA's, or "ABA's" for short). Students are assigned an ABA-PA as a case-manager, but all classroom staff get to know and work with each student. Students have access to individualized learning opportunities as well as group learning opportunities throughout the school day.
Students start in the programs at the ECC right when they turn three. Accordingly, we get new students throughout the school year and staffing assignments are subject to change. However, our high staffing ratios make it easy for each staff to get to know each child in the program. There will always be a familiar face for your child at school! The BCBA Consultant to the program at the ECC will also become familiar to you.
Each day, the class participates in group activities including circle time, centers, and team time. Circle takes place in the circle area and utilizes the SmartBoard or television. We do a variety of activities including greetings, choral motor songs, vocabulary activities, mindfulness, and videos. Centers is a structured group learning period that begins with a group activity (video, song, etc.) and breaks out into 1-2 table activities and structured play at center areas (dramatic play, blocks, toys/games, library, arts and crafts, gross motor). Center time is based around themes that the lead teachers have identified monthly. Team time requires the children to follow a visual group schedule and rotate between a table activity, floor activity, and motor imitation activity; each lasting approximately 5min.
Please call or email whenever you have questions or concerns. I look forward to learning and growing with your children this year as we welcome back familiar faces and get to know some new students and families, as well!