Options with ABA Spotlight

Options with ABA has emerged as a transformative educational program, dedicated to supporting and empowering students on the autism spectrum. Since its start in 2019, this innovative initiative has steadily expanded its reach, growing from a single campus in Fishers, Indiana, to now encompassing three locations across the state. At the helm of Options with ABA’s remarkable success stands Lisa Chandler, a passionate educator whose journey in autism-focused programming has spanned over a decade.

This spotlight seeks to inform, educate, and inspire readers about our Options with ABA program. To learn more about our programs serving students throughout Indiana – reach out to Options Schools today!

Lisa Chandler’s Journey in Autism Education

Lisa’s own path in autism education began at a small therapy center, where she was initially hired as a teacher for students receiving ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. As the program grew, Lisa’s role evolved, and she took on a leadership position, focusing on curriculum development and honing her skills in supporting students with autism.

This wealth of experience and expertise has been instrumental in shaping the Options with ABA approach, which seamlessly integrates ABA therapy and academic instruction. Now, as the Options ABA program director, Lisa’s unwavering commitment and deep understanding of the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum have been instrumental in shaping the initiative’s transformative approach.

History and Growth of the Program

Options with ABA’s origins can be traced back to the fall of 2019 with a single campus in Fishers, Indiana, where the program served just nine students. Under Lisa’s leadership, the program has since expanded to two additional locations in Kokomo and Muncie, now collectively serving 70 students across the three campuses. As the program has expanded, Lisa and her team have witnessed the transformative impact it has had on the lives of students and their families. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, who have observed remarkable improvements in their children’s academic progress, emotional regulation, and overall happiness, is a testament to the program’s effectiveness.

Unique Approach and Classroom Structure

At the heart of Options with ABA’s success lies its commitment to providing a tailored, individualized approach to education. By partnering with ABA therapy centers, the program offers students a unique split-day format, where they can receive specialized therapy alongside their academic instruction. “The students that do attend ABA therapy have a split day where they either do therapy in the morning or afternoon session and then on the opposite side of that, they are in the classroom with Options teachers,” Lisa explains, highlighting the program’s dedication to both therapy and education.

A Dedicated and Experienced Team

This individualized approach, combined with the program’s low student-to-teacher ratios, has been a key factor in the remarkable growth and well-being of Options with ABA students. Lisa’s selective hiring process and her commitment to building a team of experienced educators who deeply understand autism have further contributed to the program’s success.

“About 10 of our team members previously worked with me at my other location, and then I think that experience and that understanding of special education and autism has definitely then trickled to new team members,” Lisa shares, underscoring the importance of a dedicated and knowledgeable staff.

Fostering Student Growth and Well-Being

One of the hallmarks of Options with ABA is its focus on fostering student well-being and growth, both academically and socially. The program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, who have witnessed remarkable improvements in their children’s academic progress, emotional regulation, and overall happiness. Students who have struggled in larger, more traditional school settings have found a nurturing and supportive environment at Options with ABA, where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Life Skills and Real-World Preparation

Beyond the classroom, Options with ABA places a strong emphasis on preparing students for life beyond the program. The curriculum incorporates practical life skills training, from basic self-care tasks to more complex real-world simulations, such as managing a coffee cart or creating charcuterie boxes for sale. These hands-on experiences not only build valuable skills but also instill a sense of confidence and independence in the students.

Graduation Pathways and Diploma Options

The program’s commitment to student success extends to its flexible graduation pathways and diploma options. Recognizing the diverse needs and aspirations of its learners, Options with ABA offers a range of diploma options, including the general diploma, certificate of completion, and the newly introduced alternate diploma. This tailored approach ensures that each student can pursue a path that aligns with their individual goals and post-secondary plans, whether that be college, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

Options ABA Transforms Education

As the program’s pioneering students approach graduation, Lisa’s pride and emotion are palpable. “It makes me extremely proud of our team, how our team has just wrapped these students up with how they’re just willing to learn everything they need to learn to help the students be successful,” she reflects.

As Options with ABA continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the lives of students and their families remains at the forefront. The program’s dedication to creating a nurturing, supportive, and enriching educational environment has transformed the lives of countless individuals on the autism spectrum, empowering them to reach new heights and embrace a future filled with boundless possibilities. Set your child up for success with a program that caters to their needs – contact Options Schools today!