The S.T.A.R. Program supports students from pre-kindergarten through post-high school who have autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and related developmental needs. The program provides a highly structured, evidence-based learning environment designed to support the acquisition of academic, communication, behavioral, and daily living skills.
Instruction in the S.T.A.R. Program integrates the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for skill acquisition and behavior management, Verbal Behavior (VB) for language development, and structured teaching methodologies to promote consistency, predictability, and independence.
Key Program Components:
- Collaborative, Student-Centered Approach: Emphasizes individualized instruction that targets critical academic, communication, social, and life skills through a team-based model.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Incorporates ABA strategies, Verbal Behavior principles, and structured teaching techniques to support engagement, skill mastery, and positive behavior.
- Comprehensive Daily Instruction: Focus areas include communication, socialization, daily living skills, leisure activities, motor development, community-based instruction, health management, vocational training, behavior support, and assistive technology.
- Standards-Aligned Curriculum: Curriculum is aligned with the New Illinois Learning Standards (NILS) and includes research-based interventions to meet each student’s unique needs.
- Related Services: Students have access to all related services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), including speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapies.
- Family Partnership: Parent participation is a vital component of student success. Ongoing communication and collaboration between families and the educational team are actively encouraged and supported.
The S.T.A.R. Program is committed to helping each student build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and independence through structured, supportive, and individualized instruction.
