Early Learning Preschool

The Early Learning Preschool (ELP) is an inclusive, ABA based, early intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical peers. The ELP is a nationally accredited preschool through Cognia.

Through the support of highly qualified and trained staff, the program fosters the cognitive, language, social, adaptive, and motor development for each child enrolled by providing enriched learning and socialization opportunities. A data-driven, outcomes-based program is the foundation for identifying strategies that define best practice. The Early Learning Preschool at Mitchell’s Place implements a research-based early learning curriculum called Mother Goose Time. The curriculum applies child development theories to a unique model for teacher support, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for the child, and family involvement. The ELP also uses the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum to address fine motor and handwriting skills. Socially Savvy is implemented as an assessment tool and curriculum to break down social functioning skills into fun and easy lessons that are planned weekly. The program serves children ages 2 to 6 years of age. The classrooms are designed based on the inclusion model consisting of five children with a diagnosis of Autism and an average of five neurotypical peers with a 3:1 student teacher ratio.

Autism spectrum Students in the ELP:

Implementation of an research-based curriculum aligned with state standards – Experience Curriculum
Initial assessment using the Verbal Behavior Milestones and Placement Program

Treatment Program developed by a BCBA
An Individualized Education Program developed by the Lead Teacher in the classroom setting
Quarterly Progress Reports
Progress monitoring and annual re-assessments using ABA based assessments such as the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS and EFL.
The use of a Multidisciplinary model resulting in a collaborative approach with special educators, BCBAs, Occupational Therapist, and Speech pathologist for individualized intervention packages focusing on behavior barriers reduction and skill acquisition.
Social Savvy and Skill streaming to address social and executive functioning skills
Learning without Tears Curriculum to target fine motor and handwriting
Weekly Motor Group class lead by an Occupational Therapist
Monthly Food School class with Occupational Therapist
Instructional focus, teaching methods and materials are rooted in the principles of ABA such as the use of positive reinforcement and reinforcement systems individualized to each child, prompting procedures, advanced language training, NET training, as well as generalization and maintenance procedures.
Transition services for students entering grade school

Neurotypical Student in the ELP:

Implementation of an research-based curriculum aligned with state standards – Experience Curriculum
Quarterly Progress Reports
Annual re-assessment of skill acquisition towards Kindergarten readiness
Social Savvy and Skill streaming to address social and executive functioning skills
Learning without Tears Curriculum to target fine motor and handwriting
Weekly Motor Group class lead by an Occupational Therapist
Monthly Food School class with Occupational Therapist
Highly educated and trained staff: Lead teachers are Class A and Class B certified teachers in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood or Collaborative Education.
Research based curriculum targeting seven domains of learning advancing the students toward kindergarten readiness
STEAM based learning
Daily points of contacts through direct interactions between teacher and parent
Instructional focus, teaching methods and materials are rooted in the principles of ABA such as the use of positive reinforcement and reinforcement systems individualized to each child, prompting procedures, the advanced language and social training.

Testimonials

There's a quote I think describes my feelings about Mitchell's Place. "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person". The diagnosis of Autism threw a challenge to our family to find the best services available for my son Mitchell. Realizing the options were limited, we decided not only to help our son but to help other families as well by opening Mitchell's Place in 2005. The outcomes speak for themselves and we are proud to be a part of the Mitchell's Place Family.

Mitchell's Place has been a blessing to our family. The education and therapy that has been provided to our son and us has made a huge impact that will last a lifetime. All the staff have gone above and beyond to help develop him into the best version of himself.

Our son began Mitchell’s Place in fall of 2021, he started speech and occupational therapy. He began ABA therapy last November in 2022. We are absolutely amazed at the progress and accomplishments he has made and continues to surprise us every week. We have used the words “life changing” because it is absolutely the truth. We are so grateful for all the amazing therapist and staff at Mitchell’s Place. Our son is making his way, and they are providing him with all the tools he needs to succeed.

This place is amazing. It is inclusive & such a positive environment. The staff are so encouraging and happy to see every single person and child that comes in. The progress in the children’s lives after being at Mitchell’s Place is so evident that the people at Mitchell’s Place love what they do and care deeply about the children. Cannot say enough good things about this wonderful place!

We are so thankful to have found Mitchell's Place. My son has thrived in the supportive environment. The staff is all invested in his success and have been such wonderful resources for our family! I can't say enough good things about the program!

I don't often write reviews but I can't say enough good things about this place. It is simply magic. My kids love it! Every day my kids look forward to going to Mitchell's Place. They have helped my kids grow by leaps and bounds. The teachers, staff, and administration are well-educated, experience, loving, caring, and always go the extra mile for the MP kids and families.

Mitchell’s Place is a great and beautiful place filled with love from teachers, directors, staff up front! Everyone there is warm and genuine and way beyond that they help children shine on the spectrum, grow, and learn. We have been so impressed with our son’s growth and progress here!! I could not be more thankful we have this school about 40 minutes from our home!! The children, staff, school- I would give it more than 5 stars truly!!! 100 stars!!