ABA
Our elementary Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classroom provides a supportive, structured, and engaging environment where students can learn and grow. Guided by the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis, our program uses evidence-based approaches to develop meaningful academic, communication, social, emotional, behavioral, functional and daily living skills. We recognize that every student learns differently, and our approach is designed to meet students where they are while helping them build skills for where they want to go.
The classroom team is supported by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who helps ensure that each student’s individualized supports are thoughtfully designed, data-informed, and responsive to their changing needs. The BCBA develops and guides individualized programming using criterion reference assessments and observations to identify students strengths, areas for growth, and meaningful educational, behavioral, and social goals. Through ongoing assessment, data collection, collaboration, training, and coaching the BCBA works alongside classroom staff to help students make meaningful progress toward greater independence and success.
Instruction is individualized according to each student’s strengths, needs, interests, IEP, and educational goals. Throughout the school day, staff intentionally create a learning environment that includes proactive strategies to increase student success such as, predictable routines, visual schedules, and clear consistent expectations. Staff use evidence-based teaching strategies such as modeling, prompting, task analysis, shaping, errorless learning, and positive reinforcement to support skill acquisition and promote increasing independence. Reinforcement is individualized to each student and is used to strengthen meaningful skills and encourage active engagement in learning.
Students learn through individual instruction, small-group activities, and participation in the broader school community. Instruction includes frequent opportunities for practice, feedback, and reinforcement so students can develop fluency and confidence with new skills. Students are also given opportunities to practice skills across different people, settings, materials, and activities. This focus on generalization and maintenance helps students use and retain the skills they have learned beyond a single lesson or classroom.
When behaviors interfere with learning, communication, or participation, our team uses a function-based approach to better understand what may be contributing to the behavior and what the student may be communicating through their actions. Rather than focusing solely on decreasing challenging behavior, we prioritize teaching functional replacement behaviors and skills that allow students to communicate their needs, regulate their emotions, and access appropriate supports.
Collaboration is at the heart of our program. ABA staff work closely with families, teachers, counselors, related service providers, and other members of each student’s educational team to develop shared goals, promote consistency, and support skill generalization across environments. We value family input and recognize that the most meaningful progress occurs when the student's entire team works together to provide consistency and meaningful programming across all environments.