At Step N’ Stones Academy for Autism, we provide a structured, individualized, and supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student. Our curriculum is designed to promote academic, social, emotional, and independent living skills while fostering self-regulation, communication, and critical thinking. We use a combination of evidence-based instructional strategies, multi-sensory learning approaches, and Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) to support student growth.
Kindergarten Curriculum Our Kindergarten program focuses on building foundational academic skills, fostering self-regulation, and developing communication and social skills. Instruction is engaging, hands-on, and differentiated to meet each student’s learning style.
Learning Goals:
- English Language Arts (ELA) & Reading – Develop letter recognition, phonemic awareness, early reading skills, and vocabulary through structured literacy activities.
- Mathematics – Understand number sense, basic counting, patterns, and early problem-solving skills.
- Science & Social Studies – Explore basic scientific concepts, seasons, weather, and community roles.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and peer interaction skills.
- Sensory & Motor Development – Engage in activities that enhance fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, and movement-based learning.
- Speech & Occupational Therapy (as needed) – Provide individualized support to enhance communication, fine motor skills, and daily living tasks.
- Behavioral & Emotional Support (as needed) – Emphasizes self-regulation, coping strategies, and positive reinforcement.
- Physical Education: Through structured exercises, team-based games, and individualized movement activities, students build strength, confidence, and a positive relationship with physical fitness.
1st & 2nd Grade Curriculum Our 1st and 2nd-grade program builds upon kindergarten skills while introducing more structured academic instruction and independence. The curriculum is individualized to align with student abilities and IEP goals.
Learning Goals:
- English Language Arts (ELA) & Reading – Improve phonics, reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills.
- Mathematics – Strengthen number sense, addition/subtraction, measurement, and problem-solving strategies.
- Science & Social Studies – Expand understanding of life science, earth science, geography, and history.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Enhance self-regulation, emotional awareness, and problem-solving in social situations.
- Independent Learning & Functional Skills – Promote personal responsibility, following routines, and basic self-care.
- Speech & Occupational Therapy (as needed) – Continue targeted interventions for communication and motor skill development.
- Behavioral & Emotional Support (as needed) – Emphasizes self-regulation, coping strategies, and positive reinforcement.
- Physical Education: Through structured exercises, team-based games, and individualized movement activities, students build strength, confidence, and a positive relationship with physical fitness.
3rd - 5th Grade Curriculum The 3rd-5th grade program focuses on higher-level academic skills, independent thinking, and functional life skills to prepare students for more complex learning experiences.
Learning Goals:
- English Language Arts (ELA) & Reading – Expand reading comprehension, writing organization, and vocabulary development.
- Mathematics – Develop multiplication, division, fractions, time, and money concepts.
- Science & Social Studies – Explore ecosystems, energy, historical events, and civic responsibilities.
- Independent Living Skills – Foster daily life skills such as organization, self-care, and decision-making.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – Strengthen coping strategies, peer relationships, and conflict resolution skills.
- Speech & Occupational Therapy (as needed) – Provide continued support in communication, sensory integration, and adaptive skills.
Instructional Approaches:
- Differentiated Instruction – Lessons are tailored to meet the diverse needs and abilities of each student.
- Multi-Sensory Learning – Incorporates visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and hands-on experiences.
- Structured Literacy Approach – Supports reading and language development through explicit, systematic instruction.
- Social Skills Training – Integrates communication and relationship-building skills into daily activities.
- Behavioral & Emotional Support – Emphasizes self-regulation, coping strategies, and positive reinforcement.
- Exploratory Learning - Emphasizes student-led inquiry, multi-sensory engagement, and real-world application, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts beyond traditional instruction