Rising Stars Program

Specialized programming for students with developmental disabilities such as autism, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.

These star students are on the rise

What is Rising Stars? It’s a program designed to provide K-12 students with Autism or Pervasive Developmental Delays a learning environment that will develop independence and success in the classroom and the community. By addressing individual academic, behavioral, sensory and communication strengths and challenges students are able to change behaviors and increase academic performance to a level that will allow a return to their referring public/charter school as soon as is beneficial to the student.

Multiple research-based strategies and Positive Behavioral Supports are employed by the teachers to assist this unique group of students in developing the skills they need to be successful. Language based curriculum is utilized for academic instruction with a heavy emphasis on kinesthetic experiences. Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists are integral team members in the Rising Stars Program. Students also have access to the life skills curriculum, animal therapy and the sensory room which is included in their daily routine.

“I moved to Arizona to find a better education for Desi. After finding Austin Centers and his teacher, Mrs. Amy and her aides, I know 100% that I made the right decision for him. He has come leaps and bounds from when we first got here. I honestly don’t think I can thank this school and staff enough for their amazingness!”

Parent of Rising Stars student

The program provides students a positive instructional model that emphasizes:

1:2 Staff/Student Ratio
Behavioral Control
Language Acquisition and Communication
Academic Achievement
Sensory Accommodations
Animal Therapy
Functional Social Skills, Life Skills Introduction
Pre-Vocational Training, Community based learning

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

ABA components used for each student include, individual assessment, establishment of personal goals. Discrete trial training on individual objectives and analysis of student behavior and responses.

Computerized recording of behavioral data to determine the antecedent, function, duration and effectiveness of interventions.

TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children)

TEACCH components emphasizing a socially interactive and language rich environment. Emphasis, however, is always placed on understanding the individual rather than focusing exclusively on a particular treatment approach.