Life happens. Visuals help. In preschool, our staff uses pictures to help students understand what to expect from their day. Visual Supports can include a picture schedule, a timer, labels for different items, social stories, and so much more. Below are some examples of visual supports that can be used to assist with everyday home routines.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) is use of any mode of communication that isn't verbal. For our students who are non-speaking or have limited verbalizations, AAC is a great way to help them both understand and express themselves in meaningful ways.

AAC has many variations (high-tech, mid-tech, low-tech), but a common one you might see in our building is called a Core Board. Core Boards are grids of different "core" words that make up about 80% of our everyday communication. The core words can be combined into a variety of different phrases and sentences. "Fringe" words are the other 20% of words we use, and these include more specific vocabulary that is applicable to only certain situations. The Core Boards below are examples of what we use at Barfield Early Childhood.

What is PECS?

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) teaches children who are non-speaking/minimally verbal to use pictures to request, comment, make choices, and communicate across environments with a variety of communication partners.  PECS utilizes discrete based teaching methodologies in 6 phases and is highly individualized.  Below are common pictures used in PECS books...

To learn more about visual supports and AAC, click on the links below.