branches school of the berkshires

Our Program

Intense, full-day, 12-month program, including 223 school days, for students 3-22 years of age diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
A student-teacher ratio that provides the intensity necessary for each student to reach their full potential
The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are used to develop an individualized curriculum for every student designed to increase verbal, social, academic, executive functioning, and daily living skills
Staff are dedicated, motivated, caring, and specially trained in Applied Behavior Analysis
Classrooms are supervised by highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts and sized to meet the individual needs of each student
Methodical and consistent data collection and analysis to monitor student progress
Reliable assessments to record each student’s rate of progress across learning domains
A high degree of parental involvement through classroom observations and monthly clinic meetings promotes the transfer and generalization of essential skills learned in school to the home and community
Supportive systematic inclusion programs for students who meet the criteria to return to their home school districts

Student Days

Beginning in September, parents will be offered a “student day” each month. During this time, the team meets with the parents/guardians along with the student, to model the student’s individualized programs. Parents are encouraged to practice each program with the guidance of the Lead ABA Teacher for carry over into the home. Parents/guardians are encouraged to ask questions to become as familiar with their child’s daily education as possible. The second portion of the student day allows the Clinical Director/BCBA to review student graphs with the parents, discuss the process of data-based decisions further, and update on the individual’s progress.

Data Analysis Clinics

Each week, the student’s team, including the Educational Director, Clinical Director/BCBA, Lead ABA Teacher and ABA Technicians, meets to evaluate student progress in all domains. At that time, the data and graphs are reviewed for each student’s individualized programs and target behaviors for reduction. Behavior protocols are reviewed during these meetings and behavior protocol integrity data is recorded throughout the week. Consistency meetings are also run weekly with each student’s team to ensure all team members are implementing programs and intervention strategies as written and initially trained.