Your child’s earliest years lay the foundation for their education and skills. It’s super important to find a preschool that is a good match for your child so they gain the foundational skills that will serve them for the rest of their education — and throughout their lives.
Children with autism often learn differently than children who are neurotypical. Many parents choose to send their child with autism to an ABA preschool that specializes in teaching children with autism, since their teachers and support staff are trained to teach in ways that will enable these children to build skills more quickly. ABA preschools are one of the best options for that kind of support. Often, parents are thrilled with the integrative, supportive, and individualized learning environment in ABA preschools.
What is an ABA preschool?
ABA preschool programs offer 1-on-1 ABA therapy support within a mainstream preschool classroom.
Some preschools specialize in ABA therapy or are known as schools for autism and/or special education. Others offer a typical educational program and collaborate with an ABA therapy agency to provide support for students who can benefit from it. Both are great options for a child who can use a personalized learning experience. Each child is different, so think about your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies to determine what would be best for them.
ABA vs. preschool
While early intervention ABA therapy programs and typical preschool programs are both designed to support young learners, they can be very different.
ABA (applied behavior analysis) is a behavioral therapy method that helps learners build fundamental skills and meet goals. It is tested, proven, and built on the science of behavior.
The premise of ABA is based on encouraging positive behaviors or actions and discouraging negative behaviors or actions. This is done through understanding what makes people tick and using it to help them reach what they want to achieve. You probably use some ABA techniques without knowing it — like rewarding yourself for doing something hard or practicing a new skill in small steps.
Preschool programs are designed to help children learn. They teach children basic educational concepts like colors, numbers, and ABC’s and prepare them for school. While mainstream preschool teachers are trained, warm, and caring, they aren’t always equipped to support students with neurodiversities. That’s where ABA classroom support comes in.
An ABA therapist can join your child’s classroom as their dedicated learning and behavioral support. Your child will receive 1-on-1 support, attention, and learning assistance from their therapist during class time. Their therapist will also help them to integrate socially and communicate with teachers and peers — so they get the benefits of being in an ABA clinic while still being in the mainstream classroom setting.
Questions to ask
If you’re looking into an ABA preschool, there are a few things to take into consideration. You don’t want to invest in setting up a system before you know that it will be helpful for your child, so do your research in advance. Ask the school, therapists, and other parents to get a full picture of the services and support offered in each option so you can make an educated decision.
Here are some questions you should ask:
- What kind of support does the program offer?
- What will your child’s day-to-day look like in this program?
- What certifications does the daycare and/or therapy program offer?
- Is the environment welcoming and inclusive?
- How much will they involve you in your child’s education?
- Do other parents recommend this program?
- Does the program prepare students for K-12 schooling?
- How much learning will be with peers and how much of it will be 1-on-1?
- What is the program’s main learning method or approach?
Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to which program to choose for your child. You’re looking to know what will be the best fit for your child’s needs right now. That being said, make sure the program has positive reviews across the board and is known as a supportive center with a high level of care.
How to find an ABA preschool
There are many preschools that offer ABA or are open to inviting an ABA therapist into their classrooms. If your child is currently in school, ask if they offer ABA or for a therapy center recommendation.
At Circle Care, we’re proud to offer highly customized ABA preschool programs in our centers. Our current programs:
Circle Care also provides ABA therapy within daycares and preschools throughout New Jersey and Georgia. If you’re looking for a mainstream daycare that will accommodate your child’s needs with an ABA therapist, reach out to us. We know quite a few excellent preschools with integrated ABA programs that we would highly recommend.
With a support system in place, your child can make strides in their learning. Here’s to their success!
