FIRST
STEP EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMFIRST
STEP EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Structured Teaching Classroom
The Structured Teaching Classroom at First Step serves children from birth to 36 months who are either diagnosed with autism, autism related disorders, or who demonstrate characteristics within the autism spectrum. Many of these children have primary deficits in the areas of communication, sensory integration, and socialization skills.
The Structured Teaching Classroom utilizes several teaching methodologies including the TEACCH program, a highly visual and structured program for teaching new skills and assisting in the teaching of transitions among activities, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) which offers an alternative, picture-based means of communication for the nonverbal child, and the use of American Sign Language to further stimulate communication skills. Additionally, Stanley Greenspan's "floor-time" approach is also used to support and increase social interaction and emotional development.
This program is comprised of both center-based and home-based interventions. Both morning and afternoon center-based programs are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with the morning session meeting from 9:30 to 11:30am and the afternoon sessions meeting from 12:00 to 2:00pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays are typically used to provide in-home services. Our qualified and dedicated staff includes registered and certified speech-language pathologists, registered occupational therapists, Master's level counselors, early interventionists, and experienced classroom assistants. This multidisciplinary team works closely with each family to deliver tailored services to each child.
We welcome your interest in our programs. Please contact us at (408) 243-7861 for further information. Our program is located at 2851 Park Avenue, Santa Clara, California 95050. Our facility is licensed by Community Care Licensing and is approved for fire clearance by the city of Santa Clara. The program is certified by the State of California as a nonpublic school agency.