STARTING WITH THE LITTLEST LEARNERS
Every program offered at Faison is vetted to ensure that the data tells us it’ s the right thing to do. Not surprisingly, then, in 2015 we opened the Early Education Center( EEC). After all, research shows that the earlier children receive intervention and education, the better their outcomes. With the creation of the EEC, we expanded our lifespan model to reach not only school-age children and adults with autism, but also children in their earliest years of development.
We help our littlest learners develop communication and social skills at a young age. Our goal is simple: Prepare them to enter traditional kindergarten classrooms whenever possible. To reach that goal, the EEC’ s unique inclusion model co-locates our two classrooms with two classrooms run by our partner, Westhampton Day School. Students from both programs enjoy learning in their own environment while also having the opportunity to learn and play with their neighboring peers. This arrangement gives our kiddos, like Mary V., a chance to practice skills for when they head to a traditional kindergarten classroom.
“ Mary has such an incredible love for kids and friends. She longs for friendship so much but really struggles with those social skills that are needed,” said her mother Jill V., noting it was the first time her daughter interacted— beyond her siblings— with children without disabilities.“ Because of the relationship that Faison has with Westhampton, she had this incredible opportunity to work on those skills in a way she was comfortable with, at her own pace. There’ s no other opportunity like this, certainly not in the public schools to this level, and definitely not at other private schools.”
Faison gave Mary a foundation that allowed her to“ be the thriving, shining star she is today,” Jill added.“ They gave her a safe space to shine, and I don’ t know if she would have the self-confidence, spunk and tenacity that everyone falls in love with if it wasn’ t for Faison and their partnerships.”
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