Schedule

A Half Day at TAA

Our Educational Model

The Academy’s half-day morning program (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) delivers high-impact, research-driven instruction during each learner’s most engaged hours of the day.

Our hybrid model allows families to choose how to continue learning beyond the classroom—either through home-based parent participation or by extending services in the afternoon with Cayer Behavioral Group’s therapy team. The curriculum is rooted in The Autism Helper Curriculum, emphasizing communication, language, independence, and academic readiness through individualized and group instruction. Learners benefit from close collaboration between Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists, ensuring a holistic and compassionate learning experience.

8:30 – 9:00 | Arrival, Morning Routine & Readiness

1) Greeting and unpacking routine (backpack, lunchbox, water bottle).

2) Review of individual visual schedule and token system.

3) Morning song, simple yoga, or fine-motor warm-up (beading, tracing, puzzles).

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Goal: Smooth transition, compliance, and readiness to learn.

9:00 – 9:30 | 1:1 Teaching Block #1 – Discrete Trial / Skill Acquisition

1) Individualized DTT or precision teaching targets:

2) Receptive & expressive ID (colors, numbers, shapes)

3) Mand training / early language development

4) Fine motor or pre-writing skills

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Setting: Quiet learning area at teaching tables.

Goal: Foundational skill building and data collection.

9:30 – 10:00 | Group Circle + Social Skills

1) Greeting song, weather, calendar, and “Question of the Day.”

2) Turn-taking game or cooperative group task (e.g., sorting, song with instruments).

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Goal: Increase attention, imitation, and peer awareness.

10:00 – 10:30 | 1:1 Teaching Block #2 – Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

Implement goals through play-based learning:

1) Functional communication (“I want bubbles,” “push me swing”)

2) Joint attention and shared play routines

3) Matching, imitation, or sequencing using thematic materials (e.g., farm animals, blocks)

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Goal: Generalization of skills across environments and materials.

10:30 – 10:50 | Snack & Sensory Break

1) Learners request snack items, practice mealtime routines, and socialize.

2) Followed by sensory regulation time: movement path, trampoline, or outdoor play.

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Goal: Self-regulation and functional communication during natural routines.

10:50 – 11:20 | 1:1 Teaching Block #3 – Functional & Adaptive Skills

1) Toilet training, dressing, brushing teeth, handwashing, or independent task bins.

2) Focus on independence and generalization to real-life contexts.

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Goal: Build daily living skills and self-confidence.

11:20 – 12:00 | Thematic Group Activity (Art / STEM / Music)

1) Weekly theme (e.g., “Fall Harvest,” “Community Helpers”).

2) Projects embed following directions, color ID, counting, and creative expression.

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Goal: Group participation and fine motor/generalization.

12:00 – 12:30 | Closing Circle & Departure Routine

1) Review the day using visual aids (“What did I learn today?”).

2) Sing goodbye song, pack up with prompts, reinforcement for positive transitions.

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Goal: End-of-day closure, compliance, and consistency.