LCS Discovery Program

The year-round education and development of children with autism is a distinctive of the LCS campus that is significantly impacting lives on a daily basis.

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 5-15 years old with an emphasis on academic skills, independent functioning and prevocational training (for older students).  Classroom instruction is based on a blended model of best-practice approaches to autism treatment including:  applied behavior analysis (ABA), 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.

The Discovery Program began several years ago with four students in one small classroom. As the children moved into their new home in the George W. Jenkins Discovery Wing of the Elementary/Middle School Building, the program immediately tripled the enrollment, with others seeking to participate.

In addition to their specialized academic curriculum, students receive several individual sessions per week of speech/language therapy and occupational therapy.

Families enrolled in the Discovery Program are extremely pleased with the quality and credentials of the faculty, and they are thankful for the many aspects of the program that are not available in the public school setting.

The presence of these very special children on campus is mutually “life-altering.” Discovery students and “regular-ed” students have formed close bonds. Children see that we are all unique and can help one another. Students are learning to build relationships and solve problems – a win-win situation.