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Do you have a question not addressed below? Contact ESCALATE Consultant Kelly DeJong at 423.648.1772 or kelly.dejong@siskin.org for additional information.
- What does ESCALATE stand for?
ESCALATE stands for Engagement, Social, Communications And Learning Approaches to Toddler Education.
- Why is the ESCALATE program needed?
The State of Tennessee recognized the need for specialized services for children with autism or autism-like behaviors in the Southeast district. Specifically, there was a need for:
- Consultation for early interventionists, community child care programs and families;
- A model for classroom-based interventions
- Guidance for home-based services
- What issues does ESCALATE address?
ESCALATE addresses core deficit areas associated with autism or autism-like disorders. These are appropriate play behavior, communication and social skills.
- How is ESCALATE funded?
The ESCALATE project was funded in 2010 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grant was awarded directly through Tennessee's Early Intervention System.
- How many children are in an ESCLATE classroom?
The two ESCALATE classrooms (one at Siskin Early Learning Center-Downtown and one at Siskin Early Learning Center-East Brainerd) have three children with autism spectrum disorders and nine children who are typically developing. Natural proportions for an inclusive classroom are typically 25%; ESCALATE is 33%. This proportion makes it possible to secure more specialized resources such as therapy, special education and physical aids.
- When do the children participate?
Children in the ESCALATE classrooms attend the program five days a week and have weekly home visits. By comparison, most children who receive services under Part C in Tennessee only attend a program two days a week and have no home visits.
- What does the ESCALATE district-wide consultant do?
The ESCALATE Southeast disctrict consultant has expertise in early childhood development and in working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. She helps other early interventionists in the Southeast district improve services to children receiving intervention services in the Southeast. Kelly DeJong is the ESCALATE consultant and can be reached at 423.648.1772 or kelly.dejong@siskin.org.
- Can my child be a part of the ESCALATE Project?
Referrals for the ESCALATE project come from Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS) Southeast District office. For children already being served through TEIS, parents should contact their assigned service coordinator for more information. Parents of children not involved with TEIS can contact the general information line 423-624-6344 for TEIS eligibility and program information.
ESCALATE is funded in part through the Tennessee Department of Education via an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal award.
Siskin Children's Institute seeks to affirm the dignity and worth of every person. It is, therefore, the policy of the Institute to practice and ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all constituents with respect to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political belief, socio-economic status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The Institute promotes the full realization of this policy through all organizational practices including admission and participation in programs and services.
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