Academic All Stars Program Full Time (ESE Level 5)

Program Definition

ABA Path’s Academic All Stars Program – ESE Level 5 is designed for students with the highest level of support needs, including those who may be nonverbal, highly behavioral, or resistant to traditional tasks. The program emphasizes sensory regulation, functional communication, basic participation, and daily routines, while providing opportunities for academic exposure in highly adapted formats.

Our program is offered at our clinic B location and blends core subject instruction with enrichment and life skills activities to enhance the home education experience. We are not a private school, public/charter school, or online-only program. This is a program that integrates learning activities in a structured environment, supporting your child’s growth with ABA therapy. To be eligible for enrollment in the Academic All Stars Program, your child must be receiving ABA therapy services through ABA Path.

Program Features & Eligibility

• Eligibility: FES-UA scholarship students participating in parent-directed home education

• Format: In-person instruction at ABA Path – 210 South MacDill Ave, Suite B, Tampa, FL

• Curriculum Selection: Chosen with the parent to meet the child’s developmental level and learning style

• Instructional Approach:

  o    Group Instruction: 5 days per week of teacher-led instruction in small groups to encourage peer learning

  o    Individualized Instruction: 1 day per week of one-on-one support with a certified teacher, tailored to the child’s goals

• Integration: Instruction may be adapted to align with the student’s ABA treatment plan

• Small Ratios: Very low teacher-to-student ratio (1:1–1:3 depending on student needs).

• Additional paraprofessional or registered behavior technician support may be provided as needed to ensure success and safety.

Home Education Subjects

For Level 5 students, instruction focuses on functional academics connected to daily living and communication skills. Lessons are short, highly supported, and designed to promote participation and confidence.

• Language Arts & Reading – Recognizing name, symbols, and familiar signs (stop, exit, restroom), using picture exchange or AAC for communication, and exploring books with visuals.

• Mathematics – Matching and sorting, counting objects, number recognition, and simple calendar skills (days of the week, today/tomorrow).

• Science – Sensory exploration (textures, water play, observing weather), learning about animals and nature with real objects or pictures.

• Social Studies – Understanding personal information (name, address), community helpers, following rules, and identifying familiar places.

• Electives & Skill Development – Sensory art, music and movement, structured play, practicing routines (washing hands, organizing belongings), and guided group activities.

Curriculum

We provide curriculum specifically for live instruction led by our teacher. Each child’s curriculum is carefully developed based on their unique learning needs, ensuring a personalized and balanced approach to academic growth. For independent academic work, programs such as Adaptive Minds or IXL may be used. Learners may continue using a program they have already been working with for independent academic work, as long as it is not remote instruction.

Academic Stations – ESE Level 5

Academic Stations at Level 5 focus on sensory exploration, communication, and functional routines. Activities are very simple, highly supported, and designed for participation and engagement rather than academic mastery.

Typical stations may include:

• Sensory Literacy Station – Matching pictures to objects, recognizing symbols (bathroom, stop, exit), exploring books with textures or sounds, and AAC/PECS practice.

• Sensory Math Station – Counting objects, sorting by color/shape/size, matching numbers to sets, and calendar skills (today, tomorrow).

• Fine Motor & Pre-Writing Station – Scribbling, tracing lines or shapes, finger painting, puzzles, stacking blocks, and using putty for hand strength.

• Science & Exploration Station – Sensory bins (sand, rice, beans), water play, weather observation, and simple cause-and-effect toys.

• Technology Station – Short, highly guided use of devices (touch screen games, matching apps, visual schedule apps).

Supports may include:

• One-on-one assistance for most tasks.

• Visual schedules with pictures/symbols.

• Frequent breaks and sensory regulation tools.

• Immediate reinforcement (praise, music, preferred toy).

 Goal: Students focus on participation, communication, and sensory regulation, with academics introduced through exposure and functional practice.

Enrichment Programs

Enrichment for Level 5 students is highly sensory-focused, with short, predictable, and supported activities that encourage participation, communication, and regulation.

• Sensory Exploration – Water play, textured bins (beans, rice, sand), light boards, cause-and-effect toys, and weighted/sensory tools for calming.

• Arts & Music – Finger painting, sensory crafts (sponge painting, textured collages), listening to music, drumming, rhythm instruments, and movement/dance.

• Social Interaction Practice – Parallel play with sensory toys, simple group routines (music circle, passing a ball), supported greetings, and guided turn-taking.

• Daily Routines with Sensory Support – Handwashing with visual/sensory cues, cleaning up with guided prompts, matching objects, and following picture schedules.

Basic Life Skills – Recognizing personal symbols/pictures (bathroom, stop, exit), snack routines with sensory choices, and supported participation in self-help tasks (putting away coat, using utensils).

Class Structure & Daily Schedule – ESE Level 5

8:30–8:45 – Morning Circle & Transition
Greetings with AAC/PECS, reviewing the picture schedule, and practicing routines.

8:45–9:00 – Sensory Warm-Up
Activities such as water play, textured bins, or cause-and-effect toys to prepare for engagement.

9:00–9:20 – Functional Learning Block
Short, highly supported lesson (e.g., recognizing symbols, matching objects, counting items).

9:20–9:30 – Movement / Sensory Break
Stretching, sensory tools, or music and movement.

9:30–10:00 – Academic Stations
Rotations focused on participation: sensory literacy (matching symbols/pictures), functional math (sorting, counting), fine motor play, and sensory exploration.

10:00–10:10 – Movement Break
Calming activity with music, yoga, or tactile input.

10:10–10:30 – Functional Learning Block
Second lesson connected to daily life (safety rules, personal info, simple routines).

10:30–10:45 – Sensory / Transition Break
Quiet space, sensory bin, or guided relaxation.

10:45–11:15 – Academic Stations
Second rotation of short, supported activities (sensory play, symbol recognition, matching tasks).

11:15–11:30 – Movement Break
Outdoor walk, ball play, or sensory gym.

11:30–12:15 – Lunch (with Support)
Snack/lunch with practice in self-feeding, cleanup, and routines.

12:15–12:45 – Recess / Outdoor Play
Supervised free play, parallel play, or gross motor practice.

12:45–1:15 – Enrichment Activity
Sensory art (finger painting, textured crafts), music, or movement.

1:15–1:35 – Functional Routine Practice
Practicing daily living skills (handwashing, organizing belongings, following a schedule).

1:35–1:50 – Social Skills / Sensory Play
Guided peer play, turn-taking with toys, or group sensory activity.

1:50–2:15 – Enrichment Activity
Music circle, sensory story time, or guided movement.

2:15–2:30 – Wrap-Up & Reflection
Review of the day with visuals, calming activity (music, yoga), and transition to dismissal.

Full-Time Enrollment Option

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

• Instructional Model: 5 days of small-group instruction plus 1 day of individualized support

• Curriculum: Developmentally appropriate, adapted to each child’s learning style

• Attendance: Mandatory with valid excused absences required

• Learning Format: Face-to-face, interactive instruction with integrated hands-on activities