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Discovery Program

Discovery Program

The Discovery Program is a self-contained classroom offered to students with a specific diagnosis of autism and/or related disabilities. This special education program is available for children ages 5-12 years old with an emphasis on academic skills and independent functioning. Classroom instruction is based on a blended model of best-practice approaches to autism treatment, including: applied behavior analysis, incidental teaching, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), and social skills training.

Curriculum is presented through "zone-based teaching" and is specially modified to meet each child's individual needs. Children are taught in a low ratio (1:4) structured classroom by teachers who have had extensive training in autism spectrum disorders and evidenced-based practice. Each child's individual education plan is reviewed quarterly with the parent to monitor progress and ensure program effectiveness. Parent workshop opportunities are available throughout the school year. Tuition costs for the Discovery Program include weekly Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy and the extended school year program.

Discovery Program Admissions Procedures:

  1. The inquiring family is mailed a Discovery Program enrollment packet. Families must provide all appropriate ESE paperwork along with the application to be considered for admission.
  2. The Special Programs Coordinator will perform a preliminary review of the application and will conduct an initial interview.
  3. After the initial interview, the application is reviewed by the Program Director to determine if the student is an educational/developmental match for the program. The director will schedule admission testing with the family. If the director approves the student, a final interview will be scheduled with the Headmaster, Special Programs Coordinator and the Business Office to finalize admission. If the student is not accepted into the program, parents are notified by letter or by the Program Director at the time of testing.

If you have any questions regarding the Discovery Program, please contact Mrs. Pam Szydlowski, Special Programs Coordinator, by phone at 863-688-2771 or by email at pszydlowski@lcsonline.org.