Our Approach
Birchtree’s approach to programming, intervention, and behavior change is data driven and based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), with close supervision from Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®).
Collaboration
Birchtree’s experts work in close partnership with individuals, families, schools, businesses, and agencies. This allows us to develop comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs to serve people at Birchtree’s day school, in public schools, at home, in workplaces, and throughout our community.
While developing programs for an individual student or client, Birchtree’s experts consult and collaborate with that individual’s family members, school staff, and caregivers. This ensures that instruction aligns with the priorities, circumstances, and preferences of important people in that individual’s life.
Individualized Instruction & Support
We believe that everyone can learn – as long as they are taught in a way that meets their unique needs.
Birchtree’s instruction and therapy are tailored to each individual’s preferences, strengths, and areas of need. This helps make learning fun, rewarding, and intrinsically motivating.
Evidence-Based Practices
Based on research and data, evidence-based practices form the foundation of every Birchtree program. This includes instruction and therapy offered at Birchtree’s day school, in public schools, in family homes, and in our community.
The principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are derived from decades of scientific research and are used to design and implement every Birchtree program. Birchtree’s day school program also employs evidence-based practices from special education, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy – with instruction and therapy overseen by specialists in those fields.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Expertise in Action
Birchtree’s experts use the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to teach socially significant behaviors that can help individuals enjoy full and productive lives.
If a challenging behavior interferes with learning or socialization, the behavior will be assessed to determine its function/cause. As a follow-up to the behavior assessment, the behavior will be targeted for decrease through the use of a behavior support plan. To learn more about addressing challenging behaviors, click here.
Birchtree’s staff collects data to measure each student or client’s progress. When asked how a student or client is doing, we provide a data-driven response. Birchtree’s experts analyze the data regularly and adjust programs as needed to suit each individual’s changing needs. This helps ensure that students and clients can keep making progress toward their goals.
Promoting Inclusion & Community Participation
We are committed to providing the least restrictive program model to meet each individual learner’s unique needs. We support the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their local schools, workplaces, and communities whenever and wherever possible.
Our programs are designed to help students generalize their knowledge and transfer skills from the classroom to home and community settings. Birchtree’s instructors often travel with students/clients to support them as they learn to use their skills in the real world. This includes hands-on instruction in grocery stores, workplaces, libraries, fitness centers, and more.
6 out of 10 students Birchtree serves never enter our school building – our experts help these students succeed in their local public schools and in their communities.
One Parent’s Perspective
These days, my daughter can come home and tell me what she did at school. She can also communicate more independently with other family members . . .