Arbor Academy

  • girlArbor Academy is a public therapeutic day school that provides specialized instruction and services for Kindergarten- Jr. High aged students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), or students with similar learning profiles. A learner at Arbor Academy often presents with significant barriers in the areas of language development, communication, social interaction, and/or behavioral regulation. Our school community holds to the tenet that when given the necessary instruction, structures and supports, all individuals with ASD have the capacity to learn and develop skills that will allow them to engage in a productive and social adult life. In partnership with our families and districts, our goal is to assist in preparing our learners for that time in their lives.

     

    Program Design

    Arbor Academy’s program design is based on specific evidence-based practices that are necessary to achieve positive academic, communication, social, and behavioral outcomes for learners with ASD. Intensive, systematic and individualized instruction based on principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is provided.  

    The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is used as a primary tool to assess, progress monitor, and develop programming for students. Specialized instruction is provided via a multidisciplinary team model in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Specific planning for generalization of skills is embedded into programming.

    The AFLS (Assessment of Functional Living Skills) is also used as a common assessment tool. The AFLS is used for teaching children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities the essential skills they need in order to achieve the most independent outcomes.

    classWho We Are

    The staff at Arbor Academy are dedicated to promoting the highest outcomes for all learners.  Staff are specifically trained in the principles of ABA and intensive teaching methodologies.  The multidisciplinary team consists of special education teachers, teaching assistants, speech language pathologists, occupational therapist, physical therapist, adapted PE teacher, instructional coach, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, school nurse, and a transition specialist. Parent partnerships are key to the success of our program.

    Instructional Focus 

    • Verbal behavior approach is used in language and communication instruction
    • Systematic and intensive instruction 
    • Focus on language development and communication instruction
    • Pairing is a key foundation to building instructional control and engagement in learning
    • Use of specific reinforcement schedules
    • Use of individualized prompting and prompt fading techniques to ensure mastery and independence of skill acquisition
    • Engaging learning environments and use of motivation to promote positive behavior and academic growth
    • Use of behavioral momentum techniques
    • Specific instruction for generalization of skills across people, contexts, and environments
    • Replacement behavior instruction
    • Use of antecedent strategies to support positive behavior and regulation
    • Instruction of group learning skills to support transition to less restrictive environments

    Program Supports

    • Instructional coaching
    • BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analysis) Coaching
    • AAC Coaching
    • Community Based Instruction opportunities
    • Parent Engagement
      • Early Release- Family Goals 1X/month
      • New Parent Training
      • Parent Coffee Trainings
    • Partner with Wagner Farm- for alignment to goals in natural environment
    • PAES Lab- early vocational assessment and instruction
    • Adaptive PE classes
    • Functional Movement embedded into programming
    • Provide support during transition to less restrictive environment (student, receiving team, family)
    • Collaboration with NSA for access to gym- APE
    • Collaboration with NSA for peer mentors- peers support our classrooms
    • Partnership with Sach Center- use of gym, track, exercise equipment
    • Collaboration with Sherwood Elementary for peer opportunities
    • High degree of collaboration with private providers

    For information, please contact: 

    beaudry Sabrina Beaudry, Principal
    Arbor Academy
    754 Red Oak Lane
    Highland Park, IL  60035
    (847) 831 5100 x3448