Our School Centers
Inclusive Early Learning Program for Children 2 ½ - 6: Children with autism and their typically developing peers participate side-by-side in our program (across three centers) to achieve school readiness, cultivating acceptance and understanding at an early age. This is an important differentiation from other types of programs addressing special needs in the public school system, where children may be sequestered from other learners. We use a state-approved curriculum (The Creative Curriculum) to guide classroom instruction, which includes activities such as a morning meeting; group lessons; and choice time, featuring activities centered on fine motor skills, art, dramatic play, math, literacy, science, and celebrating diversity. Children diagnosed with autism (along with those exhibiting early signs) also engage in 30-40 hours/week of ABA therapy. The frequency and amount of time a child spends in each setting varies based on the child’s needs.
Autism/Inclusive Support ProgramsA
TLC
Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) for Infants and Toddlers 0-3: In 2019, PIL opened our TLC to expand our work with infants and toddlers exhibiting early signs of autism. Staff may provide 1:1 therapy to children 3-5 times per week onsite (depending on the family’s schedule), studying the child’s behavior and adapting activities to meet each child’s needs. We may also conduct home visits 3 to 5 times per week, teaching parents and caregivers how to actively engage with their children and maximize their learning. Children who graduate from our TLC may transition to our Therapeutic Learning Zone or an inclusive learning center.​
School Districts
​Bridges to Success for K-12 Learners: We also support children’s transition to their home public school district. This may include: 1) Practice visits with the child to the public school during the previous year; 2) PIL training for the instructor at the receiving school; 3) A PIL staff member serving as the child’s aide with the support from a PIL Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA); or 4) Behavior Consultation from one of PIL’s BCBAs. The type of support recommended by PIL is based on the child’s needs in collaboration with the logistical realities of the school district.
Family-Centered Support Services
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Through these services, our goal is to empower Pre-K-12 children with autism and their families with the skills to navigate day-to-day life. We provide one-on-one instruction to caregivers, inviting them to observe, learn, and participate in treatment planning. Through these consultations, we teach parents strategies grounded in the science of ABA therapy to ensure consistency in the child’s approach to learning in and out of the classroom. PIL may also work with families to schedule rehearsals for common activities (such as dentist or doctor appointments) to give the child an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned, applied across diverse environments in the absence of their instructors.