Early Childhood Academy

Our Early Childhood Academy is a unique, hybrid program designed to teach children with autism, ages two to six years old, how to learn and socialize in a group setting. The Academy staff members also support parents through in-home visits that promote each child’s progress.

Early Childhood Academy is currently available
in St. Louis.

Enrolling Now - St. Louis!

Enrollment for summer sessions in St. Louis is now open. To register, please contact Danielle Jone Mntanga at 636-893-7283 or danielle.jonesmntanga@esmw.org.

  • Summer Session: June 1 - August 14
Deadline to apply is April 1.

The program combines 1:1 staffing, individual goals for each child, and multiple social opportunities during each session. We reinforce classroom routines through structured activity, and our staff spends one-on-one time with each child to work on communication and social skills.

We offer a morning session (8:30-11:30AM) and afternoon session (12:30-3:30PM) and provide families with three attendance options:

  • Daily (Monday-Friday)
  • Three days a week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
  • Two days a week (Tuesday/Thursday)
Program Structure:
  • 1 pre-assessment visit/introduction meeting
  • Meetings with BCBA for parent training component and natural setting generalization in 4 weeks and 10 weeks
The Academy Features:
  • Individualized goals based on each child's VB-MAPP assessment
  • Individual learning sessions with each child
  • 1:1 staff to child ratio
  • Highly trained staff using a behavioral approach to teach new skills
  • Small group activities designed to increase social interactions
  • Comprehensive in-home meetings with parents throughout the program
  • In-home follow-up meetings to generalize skills in the natural environment
The child's team will develop individual goals for each child that focus on:
  • School Readiness
  • Social Emotional Behavior
  • Play Skills
  • Motor Sensory Skills
  • Academic Skills
  • Receptive and Expressive Language
  • Self-help Skills
  • Cognitive Skills

This program may be funded through private insurance if ABA services are covered or private pay. An autism diagnosis is not required for private pay. If you are interested in attending the Academy or have any questions regarding this program please contact our ABA Program Manager, Danielle Jones Mntanga, at 636-893-7283 or Danielle.jonesmntanga@esmw.org.

What parents are saying about the Early Childhood Academy:

"His behavior has significantly changed; he is behaving way better at home."

"This program has really helped him prepare for school."

"He is more compliant with completing activities and things asked of him."

"He is opening up socially to his peers."

"Tantrums and aggressive behaviors have decreased because he is now more verbal."

"Several family members have noticed a change in her."

"This program has benefited him greatly, and we would love for him to do it again."

To learn more about our programs at Easterseals Midwest,
please call 1-800-200-2119 or email at info@esmw.org.

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