Transition Classrooms

Success in the elementary school environment is what helps to make students independent and confident children later on in their school careers. In order to proactively meet the needs of students with an autism spectrum disorder who have transitioned out of a specialized preschool setting, but who are not yet able to thrive in a kindergarten mainstream environment, a new kindergarten through second grade classroom has been developed by the Kelberman Center. This program was developed to better meet the needs of children who require additional supports within the classroom environment and reflects best practices in autism education, including the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), in an environment that fosters skills that students can use throughout their day, both in the classroom and at home. 

This unique classroom is a collaborative effort between the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Tradewinds Education Center, Upstate Cerebral Palsy Early Childhood Division, and the Kelberman Center. The Tradewinds Education Center staff is supported by consultation from the Kelberman Center to develop behavioral, academic, and social skills curricula for students with autism spectrum disorder. 

Staff, which includes a special education teacher, a teacher assistant, a behavior specialist assistant, and two school aides, has received extensive training on support strategies surrounding autism, including social skill development, functional assessment, and the use of visual supports.

The classroom, featuring a visually stimulating environment, computers and other technological devices, offers a variety of educational tools to help the students learn.

For more information about the classroom, contact Jean Jacobson (315) 798-4006, ext. 233 or jean.jacobson@upstatecp.org.