ABA Therapy Designed to Help Children Prepare for School
APT’s ABA School Readiness Program is a specialized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) service for children with autism ages 3–5 who may benefit from additional support before transitioning into a preschool or kindergarten classroom.
The program is provided in person at select APT clinics and combines individualized, face-to-face ABA therapy with opportunities to practice skills in a preschool-like group environment. Children work on goals based on their individualized ABA treatment plan while also learning to participate in routines and activities they may encounter in a classroom.
School Readiness is typically provided in four-hour sessions, five days per week, for a total of 20 hours per week. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) develops and oversees each child’s treatment plan, and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) provide direct ABA therapy.
What Is ABA School Readiness?
Some children may need additional support to develop the skills needed to participate successfully in a traditional preschool or kindergarten classroom.
APT’s School Readiness Program uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in a preschool-like environment where children can practice individual skills and participate alongside peers.
Each child’s ABA treatment plan is individualized based on their strengths, needs, and family priorities. Treatment may focus on areas such as:
- Communication
- Social interaction and play
- Self-regulation
- Independence
- Following routines and schedules
- Participating in group activities
- Transitioning between activities
- Toileting and other age-appropriate daily living skills
- Learning and classroom-readiness skills
The goal isn’t to recreate preschool. It is to use ABA therapy to help children develop and practice skills that may make the transition into a classroom environment more successful.
What Does the School Readiness Program Look Like?
Children participate in a structured, preschool-like environment with other children in their age group while receiving individualized ABA support.
During the program, children may practice:
- Following a classroom schedule
- Participating in group activities
- Playing and interacting with peers
- Following instructions
- Transitioning between activities
- Communicating wants and needs
- Completing age-appropriate routines
- Developing greater independence, including toileting skills when appropriate
Children have opportunities to work on their individualized ABA goals while also practicing skills within a group environment.
ABA Services for Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions
Children with autism may also have developmental, behavioral, or health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, intellectual or developmental disabilities, genetic disorders, sleep disorders, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
APT’s ABA team can support children with autism who also have these co-occurring conditions when their treatment needs fall within the scope of ABA. Children may also receive care from other healthcare professionals or APT therapy disciplines for needs outside the scope of ABA.
Individualized ABA Support
School Readiness is an ABA therapy service, not a preschool, daycare, or academic program.
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) develops and oversees each child’s individualized ABA treatment plan. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) provide direct, face-to-face ABA therapy under BCBA direction and supervision.
Treatment goals are based on the child’s assessed needs and focus on behavioral and developmental skills within the scope of ABA therapy.
Who May Benefit From ABA School Readiness?
The program may be appropriate for a child with autism who is 3–5 years old and could benefit from additional support developing skills needed to participate in a preschool or kindergarten environment.
Families may want to ask:
- Is my child interested in other children but unsure how to interact or play with them?
- Does my child have difficulty participating in group activities?
- Does my child need additional support following routines or transitioning between activities?
- Does my child need support communicating wants and needs?
- Could my child benefit from practicing independence and classroom routines before entering school?
A BCBA will evaluate your child’s individual needs and work with your family to determine whether the School Readiness Program is an appropriate ABA service.
Parent and Caregiver Involvement
Families are an important part of ABA treatment. Parent and caregiver training can help families understand their child’s treatment goals and use helpful strategies during everyday routines outside of therapy.
Your child’s BCBA will work with you throughout treatment and help your family prepare for transitions into preschool, kindergarten, or other appropriate educational settings.
Where and How Is ABA School Readiness Provided?
ABA School Readiness is provided in person at select APT clinic locations in a preschool-like classroom environment.
Direct ABA therapy is provided face-to-face. BCBA clinical direction and supervision may be provided in person or through telehealth when appropriate. Parent and caregiver training may also be provided through telehealth when appropriate.
Availability varies by location.
Coordinating With Your Child’s Other Providers
ABA School Readiness is one part of the pediatric therapy services available at APT.
ABA is a distinct service and is separate from APT’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy services.
When a child receives multiple services, providers may collaborate as appropriate to support coordinated care. The ABA team may work with your child’s speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, school team, or other providers to support treatment goals and help prepare for the transition to school.
Learn More About APT’s ABA Services
School Readiness is one of the ABA services available at Associates in Pediatric Therapy.
For more information about APT’s complete scope of ABA services, including Focused ABA, ages served, co-occurring conditions, service settings, treatment modalities, and parent and caregiver training, visit our ABA Therapy page.
Get Started With ABA School Readiness
If you think the ABA School Readiness Program may be a good fit for your child, contact APT to learn more about program availability and next steps.
Our team can help you find a participating location and determine whether an ABA evaluation or other next step is appropriate for your child.
New families register through our patient portal.
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Have these handy
- Your insurance card, including the member ID and group number
- Your child’s date of birth
- Your home address
Already an APT family? Sign in to the Patient Dashboard
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