Founded in 2002, by Michele LaMarche, Step By Step Academy’s Executive Director. Step By Step Academy (SBSA) is a private, non-profit treatment center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition to center-based treatment, SBSA provides several services designed to support the ongoing needs of our community. These include:
- Assessment Services by Licensed Social Workers
- Center-Based ABA Treatment Services
- Parent Advocacy Services and Case Management
- Parent and Professional Trainings and Workshops
- Case Management Services
SBSA’s center-based program is certified by the State of Ohio and employs Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA), Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts®, and staff with advanced training and certifications.
Each child’s individualized treatment goals are established in collaboration with the parents and Individualized Service Plan (ISP) team. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the root of all treatment methods used. In general, the ABA model consists of:
- Identifying a challenge or problem
- Setting goals and objectives
- Implementing empirically validated procedures to positively influence behaviors
Utilizing research-based strategies aimed at maximizing the functioning and independence for children with ASD, the SBSA program provides for 1:1, 1:2, and small group ABA treatment sessions.
- Year-round program prevents large breaks in services
- Full day treatment provided Monday-Friday
- Sam’s Club classroom is a transitional education based classroom driven by the clients IEP. The goal is to reintegrate the client into the school.
- Taught by Intervention Specialist/Special Education teacher, Directed by BCBA
When appropriate, children participate with peer models in our Peer Leadership Program™ to support inclusion. The peer buddy provides typical peer modeling for friendship building and increasing social relations through staff led interactions. Children with autism are taught and must demonstrate specific social prerequisite skills prior to participating in peer buddy sessions.
Accreditations:
- Community Accredited Rehabilitation Facility (CARF)
- National Certification Autism Scholarship Provider
- Certified Mental Health Agency
Step By Step Academy is funded by Medicaid, the Autism Scholarship Program, and some private insurance.
