Looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum (I found this list in my archives again while going through some resources)

When looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum, a parent/caregiver should consider:

What is the general philosophy of the program?
What methodology does the program employ?

If this is an ABA program:

Do you have a program book?
Who writes programs/ curriculum?
How is data taken and kept?
What kind of supervision is provided for your classes?
What classroom ratios do you offer?
Where is ABA delivered? Is it in classroom? Cubby? Who observes?
How long does the child in direct instruction?
How are children grouped? What opportunities are available to generalize skills?
How is communication between parent, home program (if one exists) and school program established?

For all children on the autism spectrum (not restricted to ABA programs):

Do you provide related services? How and where are they delivered?
Who develops a behavior plan if needed? How is the plan communicated to others for carryover?
What type of family training and/or support model do you employ?
Does family training have to be specified on the IEP?
What is your observation policy?
Do you address sensory issues?
Do your teachers and support staff use alternative communication systems (i.e.: PECS, Sign, Augmentative Devices)?
How do you obtain augmentative evaluations?
Are there opportunities for inclusion?
What other treatment options do you support/offer?
Does your summer program differ from your school year program?

Re: Looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum (I found this list in my archives again while going through some resources)

bump

Re: Looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum (I found this list in my archives again while going through some resources)

Thank you for posting this! We're going through this process now, and I thought I was asking all the important questions, but I see there are a few on here I've missed.

Thanks again!

Re: Looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum (I found this list in my archives again while going through some resources)

Wish i had this when i was looking for preschools!

Re: Looking at a preschool with a program for a child on the autism spectrum (I found this list in my archives again while going through some resources)

its that time of year and thought this deserved a bump