By its very mission, ACES is charged with “providing collaborative, customized, cost effective solutions to meet identified needs of our educational community” and this mandate is the center stone of ACES Behavior Services. Since its inception in 1988, the department has successfully developed more than a dozen specialized programs at ACES and has creatively collaborated with numerous schools and districts to meet the unique challenges students. As this work continues, and as more districts proceed with their own creative endeavors, ACES is refining its capacity to provide schools and districts with comprehensive, objective feedback and helpful, specific programmatic recommendations.

Program Audit

A systematic review of special education programs centered on Autism, Developmental Delays, Life Skills, Emotional Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, Social Deficits, Cognitive Disabilities, and ABA Methodologies. The audit is designed to review the structure and methods used throughout the program including the development of IEP objectives, the scope and sequence of curriculum, pedagogic methods/activities, instructional environments, progress monitoring systems, family involvement/support, inclusion time, entrance/exit criteria, transition planning, behavior management, community collaboration, and staff training/management. Audits generally involve 10-14 site visits, observations, staff and stakeholder interviews, and documentation reviews. Audits culminate in a comprehensive report involving an objective analysis of program components and including a specific set of recommendations for actions by administration and staff.

Program Development

ACES staff work with the district teams to conceptualize, plan, develop, and initiate specialized programs designed to educate students with behavioral challenges, instructional challenges, and other unique needs. This includes the development of program structure, operational systems, data collection methodologies, quality enhancement protocols, and staff training. If desired, ACES will maintain an ongoing collaborative relationship with the district for continued program support.