Applications
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parent says:
I am writing to let you know what a wonderful asset you have in one of your teachers in the Autistic Children's Program in Virginia Beach. Mrs. A has been my daughter's teacher for the past year. In that time she has made exceptional gains in academic and social skills. Her reading skills continue to amaze us... Her math skills have shown great gain. Her greatest gains have been in the area of social development and social "flexibility"... At a time when we are forever hearing about the degenerative state of public education and its practitioners, I felt you should hear about a dedicated professional who has used her expertise to make a significant impact on the life of one of her students... |
The Autistic Children's Program provides services for children who have moderate to severe symptoms of autism, and to children who have communication disorders combined with problems in relating. Established in 1981, the program uses structured, skill-oriented training tailored to the students strengths and weaknesses.
The Autistic Children's Program currently operates classrooms in six cities. Each class of six to seven students is staffed with a certified teacher and a teacher assistant. An individualized educational program (IEP) is developed for each student. The coordinators, support staff and teachers implement the IEP as a team.
The focus of the instructional program depends on both the child's age and skill level. Most younger children use a developmental curriculum emphasizing communication and cognitive skills. If necessary, basic self-care skills like dressing, toileting, and eating are taught. Instruction with older students emphasizes the basic skills needed to function as independently as possible in the community and work world. Establishing or strengthening meaningful, functional communication is critical in all classes.
There is a strong focus on parents as active collaborators in all aspects of their child's educational process. During the child's enrollment in the Autistic Children's Program, he or she receives an evaluation which includes medical, developmental, educational, and psychological testing. The child's parents are then invited to discuss results and recommendations.