Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center

This preschool is dedicated to children requiring a highly organized educational setting, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). The small class sizes foster an intensive learning atmosphere. The Language Enriched Academic Development Program (LEAD) is designed to enhance communication skills, social interactions, and both pre-academic and academic readiness. Each classroom benefits from a collaborative approach, pairing a speech and language therapist with a special education teacher throughout the day to facilitate cognitive, speech, language, and social growth. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques are employed to modify behaviors and teach new skills through consistent practice and reinforcement. The curriculum also focuses on Activities of Daily Living (ADL). A comprehensive communication system is implemented, incorporating spoken language, images, symbols, and sign language to improve communication abilities. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is utilized to help students engage socially and express their needs. Additionally, trained staff are available to manage mealtime challenges, such as limited food preferences. A multidisciplinary team, including teachers, social workers, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, and administrative staff, collaborates to address each child's unique educational requirements. Parental involvement is encouraged, with training sessions available throughout the academic year. Workshops in the day and evening support parents in skill-building and behavioral strategies, along with ongoing support groups led by social workers. For further information, please call.

Intake Procedure: Please call for details.

Fees: Please call for details.