|
Models and Principles Used
The ESCALATE Model was designed with consideration to three compatible existing models for serving young children—the Engagement Classroom Model, the Walden Model, and the LEAP Model—as well as a model for support-based home visits and a model for collaborative consultation. Binding these together are longstanding principles in the area of early childhood intervention, including reliance on evidence-based practices; focus on engagement, independence and social relationships in everyday routines; and family-centeredness. The Engagement Classroom Model Routines-Based Goals Services by specialists other than the teaching staff, such as therapists, are provided in an integrated manner. This means they are not "pull-out" or "one-on-one" interactions with a child. Instead, integrated services are considered "individualized within routines," meaning the services are provided as the child goes about his or her natural routine, or through a group activity. The purpose of this approach is to ensure specialists pass on knowledge and skills to the teaching staff and vice versa, so the teaching staff can use this knowledge and skills all of the time. That way, the child receives intervention all through the day — not just when specialists are in the room. Incidential teaching is a powerful and flexible technique that involves following a child's lead, eliciting a longer or more sophisticated form of the behavior, and ensuring the child has been reinforced for the elaborate behavior. It can be used for all areas of functioning in any setting, and it has been shown to be effective in teaching toddlers with autism. The rate of incidential teaching has been positively correlated with child engagement. Classroom organization is vital for the success of children with special needs. This schedule features short activities, roles for every adult member of the classroom at all times, smooth transitions between activities and empowerment of classroom assistants. It increases the level of organization in a classroom. The Walden Model The LEAP Model
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. Consultation, Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities
|
