Spotlight for Preschool
Preschool Programs in the Spotlight
About These Programs
Over 230 early childhood professionals in our region participated in day one of a 3-day Preschool Autism Series provided in partnership with OCALI. Presenters Denise Sawan Caruso and Megan Trowbridge provided outstanding training. Participants were reminded of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder utilizing the Underlying Characteristics Checklist: Early Intervention and given examples of interventions and strategies to create an environment that focuses on the importance of communication and incorporates proactive planning for sensory sensitivity, all of which contribute to positive behavior so children are ready to learn. All participants are commended for their engagement.
Three preschool programs within the region, Sidney, Midwest Regional ESC, and Discovery Center, are making additional efforts to add a layer of coaching within their classrooms to enhance evidence-based strategies for students with autism and other disabilities. These programs opened their classrooms for observation and guidance from consultants from OCALI and SST6. They will be given specific recommendations they plan to implement daily.
In the initial observations following the first training, it became clear that these programs are actively incorporating a range of communication techniques, environmental and visual structures, as well as sensory strategies. The implementation of these strategies is evident in the picture galleries linked below, illustrating the dedication to providing inclusive, supportive learning environments.
These programs recognize the value of training and coaching in this crucial area. They are committed to improving their teaching practices to provide the best possible education and support for ALL students.
Video of Sidney Preschooler Using Task Boxes
In this video, you will see a student with Autism doing an amazing job with task boxes. He needs repeated practice to be able to initiate an action on his own. He currently does 20 reps of an activity (5 reps in the first activity), but that will lessen as he becomes more familiar with the routine. This is only day 4 of implementing this.
Testimonials
In the daily scenarios and challenges of working with students with Autism, it's easy to underestimate the impact of the strategies and routines we employ. Participating in the OCALI session served as a valuable reminder, reaffirming the effectiveness of some of our current strategies while also suggesting minor adjustments that could benefit other students. Analyzing the classroom layout and fixtures offered our team fresh insights into potential rearrangements that could enhance the overall student experience for students with and without disabilities.
~Lindsay Geuy, Intervention Specialist, Sidney City Schools~
The entire staff at Whittier Early Childhood Center recently attended the Preschool Autism Training presented by OCALI/State Support Team. This school year has already proven to be quite challenging, and it was a blessing to be able to go and learn more information and to have a refresher in the knowledge we already know as a staff. The presentation included many techniques that can be easily implemented in our classrooms for all of our staff to use. The information presented also confirmed not only that we are on track with how we approach guiding and educating our students, but it also gave us some security in knowing that we have access to experts who care about our students and will help us to help our students succeed. Watching a child grow and be able to learn and succeed is so rewarding to me, and I am thrilled to have access to the resources that OCALI staff and programs offer.
~Sarah Steenrod, Paraprofessional at Sidney City Schools~
First/Then Schedule
Picture Supports
Visual Task Analysis Washing Hands
1045 Dearbaugh Avenue, Suite 1
PH: 419.738.9224 ext 1161
800.686.2945 (Toll Free: OH only)
Fax: 419.738.9199