Programs and Services

Bridges Preschool Program

The Bridges Preschool is a developmental teaching program for children with a diagnosis of autism, pervasive developmental disorder, or who have a severe social/communication disorder. This early intervention program offers teaching in a group setting for children 2 1/2 to 5 years of age. Bridges staff can also provide individual teaching for toddlers in their natural environment.

The mission of the Bridges Program is to maximize the language, communication, cognitive, motor, sensory, self-care, social and behavioral development of the preschool-age children who attend. The Bridges Preschool curriculum includes activities to enhance the growth and development of the whole child. The program focuses on social, language, and fine and gross motor skill development through free play, art, gym, music and circle time. The goals and objectives are developed in conjunction with The Maine Early Learning Guidelines.

Discrete trials/applied behavior analysis is also incorporated into the curriculum. The children work individually and as a group on the computer using specialized software programs to enhance concepts learned in discrete trials. Discrete trials can be done in the home in order to generalize learned skills into another setting. Children are taught by a team of professionals. Early childhood educators create an environment where children engage in typical preschool activities. The head teacher meets with the family regularly. Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, and Physical therapy can take place right on site. This enhances the team’s knowledge.

A consulting Behavior Specialist from Eastern Maine Couseling and Testing meets with staff regularly and spends time with each child in the classroom. The consultant oversees the discrete trial programs. The team and the child's family identify issues such as communication, social interaction, sensory processing, gross and fine motor development, sleeping, eating, grooming and dressing, as well as behavioral issues, energy levels, and ability to follow routines. The Bridges Preschool is available five days a week for five hours each day. With the help of the family, the team develops an individual plan for each child. Staff meet weekly to discuss and process children's issues and to devise and update strategies to meet the plan's goals and objectives.

For more information about Bridges Preschool Program, please contact UCP at (207) 941-2952 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpofmaine.org
Updated: 01/21/2009