CSA’s accredited language development programs are for children 2 ½ – 5 years old with average to above average learning potential who have been diagnosed with speech and language differences. These differences may include:
- Expressive language difficulties
- Articulation disorders
- Auditory processing disorders
- Receptive language difficulties
- Sensory integration difficulties
- Difficulties with social language development
Capitol School of Austin is not an appropriate placement for children with significant social challenges due to autism or emotional/behavioral disorders.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTION
Because speech and language delays may have a significant impact on personal, social and academic life, early identification and intervention are critically important. CSA’s early childhood programs integrate therapy in a group environment using developmentally appropriate activities to address speech, language, social and communication goals. We create a natural environment through which young children can practice communication attempts with adults and peers in order to enrich their lives and prepare them for future educational settings.
PRESCHOOL CLASSES AT CSA
Children are placed in classes depending on their chronological age as well as their language skills and social ability.
Language Development (ages 2½ – 3 years)
- Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Class size: 6
- This class is designed for younger preschool children who are in the early stages of language development. A multi-sensory approach is used to support attempts to participate and communicate during whole group and smaller group activities. By participating in play-based activities, children are able to acquire language and communication skills in an age-appropriate way.
Preschool Level 1 (ages 3-4 years)
- Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Class size: 10
- The Level 1 class is designed for children who are using language to communicate, but need help developing receptive and expressive language skills. Building communication skills provides the opportunity for positive relationships at home and in future educational settings. Individual treatment goals are developed to match each child’s unique developmental needs.
Preschool Level 2 (ages 4-5 years)
- Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Class size: 10
- For older preschool children, this class is designed to develop and enrich language and communication skills and to introduce necessary skills for future academic success. The nurturing and supportive environment engages children and enriches learning.
Other optional programs for Level 1 and Level 2 students
- Extended Day
- Monday – Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Our Approach
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
Speech language pathologists incorporate therapeutic techniques into every aspect of a developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum. Literature-based units set the foundation for vocabulary development and provide creative, fun opportunities for the children to practice their new skills. Each child’s individual speech and language goals are considered and entwined into their preschool day.
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PLAN
The centerpiece of CSA’s program is the Individual Treatment Plan (ITP), developed by CSA staff and administrators. Skills are sequenced according to typical developmental expectations. Every student at CSA has an ITP that indicates the skills he or she has mastered and the skills that are still developing. Each student’s ITP is developed at the beginning of the school year and updated at two points during the year.
WHOLE AND SMALL GROUP
Activities are tailored to meet the individual needs of all children while fostering a strong sense of self-esteem and strengthening attention skills in small and whole group learning environments.
MULTI-SENSORY
Incorporates the learning styles for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners in classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards (SmartBoard or CleverTouch) and sound field FM systems which amplify the teacher’s voice to reduce competing stimuli. Handwriting Without Tears guides initial attempts at writing letter formations.
GROUP OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Preschoolers participate in weekly motor group sessions led by a certified Occupational Therapist to enhance students’ fine and gross motor skill development. The school’s large motor gym provides the perfect backdrop to learn motor readiness and gain mastery of their physical environment, all while having have fun doing it!
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Dance, library, music, and art are special areas that students encounter weekly to help uncover areas of personal strength and interest, which aids in promoting self-esteem, a sense of joy and the discovery of enjoyable lifelong leisure activities. This is a place where students often shine.
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE
CSA follows this comprehensive social emotional learning and classroom management system that offers solutions for social-emotional learning, discipline and self-regulation.
Peer Models
CSA welcomes children without identified learning differences to be peer models for their classmates with speech, language and learning difficulties. We believe that all children can benefit from a language-rich, multi-sensory program and that this inclusive model is valuable for both types of students.
