Students

Children ages 3 to 6 with a suspected or confirmed autism diagnosis. Younger children are considered upon evaluation.

Curriculum

Curriculum is aligned with the Ohio Department of Education’s Early Learning and Development Standards. Classes are taught in a natural environment and address social and play skill development, language-based communication, executive functioning, pre-academic skills, activities of daily living, fine and gross motor and imitation skills, sensory intervention, and behavior support. Students receive:

• Speech/Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Sensory Intervention
• Music Therapy
• Art Lessons
• Recreational Therapy
• Pre-Academic Skills
• School Readiness Skills
• Activities of Daily Living

Monarch Model

The program combines concept-driven language instruction, visual supports, technology, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Individualized visual supports are created and implemented for each student around three primary constructs: Visual Instruction, Visual Expression and Visual Organization.

One-on-One Attention

Each student receives individual instruction from a team including a supervisor, intervention specialist, speech and occupational therapists, behavior specialist, music, art and recreational therapists, and associate teachers.

Scheduling

The program runs five days a week, 10½ months a year. Students may attend full day or half day (morning or afternoon).

Partnering with Families

Families receive daily communication, attend 3 meetings with teachers and therapists per year in addition to the IEP meeting, and may request home visits. Family networking and training sessions are also available.

Funding

Monarch is a provider for the Ohio Department of Education’s Autism Scholarship Program, which covers the cost of 4, half-days.

Location

Monarch Preschool is located on the campus of Bellefaire JCB (22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118).