Giving Tree Preschool is a unique non-public school that provides an intensive education for children diagnosed within the autism spectrum.

This colorful and enriching environment provides opportunities for preschoolers to learn the essential skills for academic and social success. It is our goal to prepare each of our students for a kindergarten experience. Because social skills and play skills are as important as academic skills, this preschool provides an “imagination room,” and a circle time room, in addition to its four academic learning pods. Students rotate through the learning pods, circle time and imaginary play time in groups of two. The day is structured to maximize learning time while providing opportunities for play, and creative learning.

Our program is consistent with “Best Practices for Children With Autism” as we utilize an Applied Behavior Analytic Approach. Giving Tree provides a one to one adult to student ratio in the classroom via a credentialed teacher, lead instructional assistant and eight instructional assistants for ten students. All instructional assistants meet “No Child Left Behind (NCLB)” standards. In addition, a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist provides individual and push in therapy to students.

Two preschool sessions are offered; one morning session of three hours and one afternoon session of three hours. Preschool hours can be supplemented by participation in our center based program.

Students are assessed utilizing the “Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills,” “Desired Results Developmental Profile Access,” as well as those included in the Open Court Curriculum. Instruction methods provided are: direct instruction, discrete trials training, pivotal response training, natural language paradigm, errorless learning, and fluency based instruction. It is our goal to prepare students for a kindergarten classroom by teaching classroom behavior, social skills, and pre-academic skills consistent with state curriculum. Kindergarten preparedness checklists are completed on all exiting students to assist the IEP team in determining the appropriate educational placement upon transition.