P.A.T.H. Philosophy:
(Parents and Teachers Hand-in-hand)
Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A.) is the only methodology endorsed by the Surgeon General for the treatment of Autism. Therefore A.B.A. will be used in teaching our children as opposed to the popular eclectic approach which has demonstrated little to no gains and sometimes regression in students of this population (Jacobson, et al. 2005). Verbal Behavior and errorless teaching methods will be used unless contraindicated by the student's learning style.
In collaboration with parents, PATH has developed an innovative program to accommodate the individual needs of each student. Each aspect of the program represents a continuum of services and environment from the most restrictive to transition to a regular education classroom. The Verbal Behavior approach of manding will be used in speech and communication training.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) will be employed to assure generalization and functionality of skills. Research indicates the importance of appropriate play skills on learning for children in this age bracket. For this reason, time for toy play is scheduled. This is not time when the student is allowed "free play" or allowed to "stim" and play with toys inappropriately. This is a structured time to teach functional toy and pretend play (the primary methodology of learning in children under the age of three).
Habit training and potty training is emphasized in activities of daily living. Self-help, social, motor and cognitive skills including learning readiness skills and pre-academics will be emphasized. Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) will be employed for development of fine motor skills as well as OT exercises designed specifically to assist in the development of musculature that promotes good handwriting. Art and Music times will be used to promote normalized student activity, speech, fine motor skills, visual discrimination and imitation.
The PATH Academy believes that community outings provide learning experiences as well as providing opportunities to practice skills in a functional setting and ensure for generalization. Field trips will always be carefully planned and necessary arrangements will be made for the safety of students. At no time, will staff transport students unless they are covered by the transporting vendor (e.x. taxi service that provides full insurance).
Staff training and development is emphasized. We recognize and support ongoing training in research-based educational practices with measurable positive outcomes. Positive behavior support plans will be developed and utilized. High staff-to-student ratios, and high rates of student engagement will be employed. All staff are trained and certified in CPR/First Aid as well as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention; they must pass a criminal background check throughout the nation (BCI-Bureau of Criminal Investigation), as well as the Nurse's aide registration and the Abuser Registry of MR/DD.
- P.A.T.H. Academy is for preschool aged children with A.S.D. (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
- Programming runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (year round).
- Location: Eastland Baptist Church, 1229 E. High St., Bryan, OH 43506
- Tuition and fees may be 100% covered by the Autism Scholarship Program with appropriate referral.
Lyntha Core is a highly-qualified paraprofessional with over six years of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) experience, and three certificates in Verbal Behavior from the Carbone Clinic. She was the Phase One Supervisor for 4 years at the MODEL Community School for Autism-Bryan. Prior to working at MODEL, she operated a licensed day care for two years and was the founder of the Wesley before and after school program.
For more information contact Lyntha Core, Program Coordinator at (419)799-0455 or Bonnie Kelly, Program Director at (419)633-0068 or use the contact link.