top of page

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

​Meliora Academy is a private educational program utilizing research-based interventions including but not limited to applied behavior analysis. The program provides intensive educational services to students with autism spectrum and related disorders. There are approximately 50 students enrolled at Meliora Academy. Each student is assigned a 1:1 instructor. Special education services are provided by approximately 8 special education teachers. There are approximately 8 board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) working in collaboration with the special education teachers. Due to BCBA supervision, staffing and student needs, the number of behavior technicians and behavior analyst interns varies throughout the year. Meliora Academy provides related services through occupational therapists (OT) certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA), speech language pathologists (SLP), speech language pathology assistants (SLPA) and physical therapists (PT). Meliora also contracts with SLP consultants and part time staff that provide language and relatedness training for students. Our staff are supported by an administrative staff that includes the chief administrator, education director, BCBA for staff development and training, administrative assistant, curriculum support staff and receptionist.

​

Meliora Academy’s data based instructional curriculum is designed specifically to reduce the fragmented learning of students with autism. Meliora Academy’s special education program provides students with an integrated curriculum model designed specifically to reduce the fragmented learning that often occurs with youngsters on the autism spectrum.

​

Based on findings of initial comprehensive assessments, a data based instructional curriculum is designed for each student using evidence-based interventions including applied behavior analysis.

​

While direct instruction across all domains occurs intensively, an emphasis is placed on the development of language and communication, relatedness, cognitive flexibility, and social skill development across all curriculum areas in the context of functional real-life activities. Specific individualized behavior support plans are developed based on the results of a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) or functional analysis (FA) to decrease the frequency of problem behavior and facilitate the acquisition of functionally equivalent alternative behavior.

​

Given the needs of our students, one-to-one staffing is provided at the outset of placement at Meliora Academy. As students progress small group and classroom instruction are provided when appropriate.

​

Services to support transitions are provided when students leave Meliora Academy. We are committed to working with parents, families, and community settings in order to ensure generalization of student skill sets across settings and contexts.​

​

Our instructional program is characterized by a language-based approach with an emphasis on teaching social cognition, flexible thinking, problem solving, communication, comprehension, and academic skills in the context of experiential learning. Generalization of skills is promoted by teaching across people, materials, activities, and settings using a systematic data-based approach.

​

​

Program Components
 

  • Relatedness Training

  • Social Skill Groups

  • Individualized Social Skill Instruction

  • Use of a Visually Supported Curriculum

  • Individual and Small Group Instruction

  • Twelve Month Programming

  • Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational and Behavior Programming

  • Parent Involvement

  • Data Based Decision Making

  • Vocational Programming

  • Curriculum based on Each Students Unique Learning Style

  • Sensory Strategies Embedded as Needed

  • Direct Instruction on Leisure Skills

  • Transition Services

  • Supported Inclusion

​

Behavior Prevention and Management

 

  • Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Functional Analysis (FA)

  • Function Based Behavior Intervention Plans

  • Staff and Family Training in Evidence Based Behavior Prevention and Management

  • Teaching Functionally Equivalent Alternative Behavior to Problem Behavior

  • Development of Goals and Objectives for IEPs

  • Parent and Family Training

  • Community Behavior Support

​

Direct Services

 

  • In Home ABA Programming

  • In School ABA Programming

  • Center-Based Programming

  • Social Skills Groups

  • Vocational Services Supported by Employment Support Personnel

  • Curriculum Development and Modification

​

Integrated Vocational & Educational Services

 

  • Curriculum Based Social Skills

  • Development of Personal Vision, Citizenship and Moral Development

  • Development of Work Readiness, Safety Skills, Job Seeking and Retention Skills, Career Exploration and Development

  • Authentic Work Experience

​

​

​

​

​

bottom of page