TUT’s Bridges program provides children the opportunity to transition and learn in a Pre-Kindergarten environment.
Bridges Graduations
TUT’s BRIDGES ABA and Social Skills program has been a huge success since its inception last year. TUT is proud to announce that six of our students have graduated from the program in the last several months. These students have made great strides and in September, five entered kindergarten and one, prekindergarten. Graduation ceremonies and celebrations ensued with speeches, diplomas, and hats and gowns. These graduations were among the finest moments at TUT. The students, their families, and the TUT team helped each student reach their goal. Jen, Bridges lead teacher stated, “We are so proud of each of our graduates. We are excited to welcome in our new group of students this school year. They have jumped right into our daily schedule. They transition between all of our subject areas, and they are ready to learn.”
Second Bridges Preparatory Program Room
The Bridges program has been so successful that TUT opened a second Bridges program room this summer. This particular room will add another level of transition to prepare students for the original Bridges classroom. The original Bridges prep room functions at a higher level.
The lead teacher of this new program, Christian, is already impressed by the progress made by his six students. He commented, “Within the past month we have seen a tremendous leap. Previously, most of our students were not able to answer circle time questions. Nor were they able to participate in transition activities without problem behaviors. Our current circle time is now fluid. Our kiddos follow along with movement videos] and are ready and willing to see what the next activity will be!” Christian added, “The program focuses on weekly themes that encourage new discovery. An array of varied materials is used to keep learners interested and involved, with an emphasis on sensory activities. Learning activities occur in theme – based centers. There are art projects that follow our letter of the week. We rotate daily games that include gross motor obstacle courses, and even calming yoga.”
About Bridges ABA and Social Skills Program
The Bridges ABA and Social Skills program was created to provide children with autism the opportunity to transition and follow a “typical” preschool model to prepare them for kindergarten. It is recommended for children who have made great strides in an intensive, Comprehensive ABA program. It is also for children who require Focused ABA with an emphasis on socialization and learning in a group environment. Students in our Bridges preparatory room learn and interact in small groups and follow more group instruction. Each student has a dedicated, full time ABA therapist in the room. The therapists provide 1:1 ABA instruction (supervised by a BCBA), conduct observations and record their student’s progress. TUT’s Bridges prep room is overseen by a Certified Teacher. The child’s ABA Therapist, and a BCBA overseeing direct programing and goals. Our Bridges Program is certainly a needed “bridge” for our children to transition into a more independent life.
