Curriculum

SFACS is targeting children on the autism spectrum with communication deficits, behavioral issues and who require training in self-care and activities of daily living. It is our intention to comply with Florida Sunshine State curriculum standards and combine them with B. F. Skinner’s principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which has been proven to be a very effective method in the treatment of ASD. We feel that the application of Florida Sunshine State standards combined with the methods of ABA will provide children with ASD the best of both worlds and the most effective individualized educational programs possible.

Classrooms will be small in size with a low student/teacher ratio, comprised of 9 children and 1 Teacher certified by the State of Florida in Special Education & General Education, assisted by 2 Teacher Assistants.  All Direct-Care Staff will be formally trained in the methodologies of ABA.  Our individualized programs will be fully compliant with student IEP’s, inclusive of all therapy and services.  We plan to employ a full-time ESE Director, as well as in-house therapists for Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy.  A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will be on staff to manage individual ABA programs and consult with staff.  Students with communication deficits will be provided with training in augmentative alternative communication (AAC), utilizing the method(s) that work best for them.  Methods include, but are not limited to Sign Language, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and augmentative communication or speech-generating devices. 

Our primary goal, through the implementation of our mission, is to provide students with ASD with a learning environment that is best suited for their disability and where they will have an opportunity to thrive. This will be achieved by combining State benchmarks and guidelines with the methodologies and best practices of ABA. The curriculum for our students will be the same as what is offered in public schools; however, the difference will be the methodology utilized in the implementation. In addition, all direct-care staff will be thoroughly trained in the ABA method. This will assist the student’s in achieving their highest potential, as behavioral issues that are common with the ASD population will be appropriately addressed so as to not interfere with learning.

Our secondary goal, when possible, is to assist students in mainstreaming to a less restrictive environment once they demonstrate adequate progress.  We feel that our individualized curriculum combined with the ABA methodology will afford eligible students the support required to achieve this goal.  We will work diligently with the staff at the school they intend to transition to, and will collaborate with them to ensure the child’s success.  For students whom a less restrictive environment is not possible, we will offer the opportunity earn a Specialty Diploma, Option 1 or Option 2, or a Certificate of Completion.