IGNITE Therapeutic Program

Program Overview

IGNITE is a therapeutic program for children that are typically 2-6 years old. There are many skills that are expected of students when officially entering a school-like social setting. When a child is not prepared, they begin their education with challenges that can limit success.

IGNITE uses the principles of ABA therapy to help children develop the fundamental skills to be successful in a school environment. Some of these skills include:

  • Receptive language skills
  • Simple expressive communication
  • Interacting socially with peers
  • Imitation skills
  • Increased duration of attention
  • Following group directions
  • Sitting appropriately in groups
  • Taking turns
  • Raising hand to answer questions
  • Working independently
  • Transitioning between activities
  • Getting in line upon request
  • Putting away materials

IGNITE Schedule

IGNITE is available year-round. It is a full day therapeutic preschool program scheduled from 9am – 3pm. The day is divided into two parts – one session in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Schedule: 9:00 am – 3:00pm
Morning Session: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Afternoon Session: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

The schedule provides flexibility for parents. They can discuss with their therapist the number of days per week and the sessions that they prefer. Extended scheduling options beyond 3pm or before 9am are available for families seeking supplemental therapies or support.

Get started
child during an activity time at a Westside therapeutic preschool program for ABA,. This picture is used for the IGNITE

Program Size

The size of the IGNITE therapeutic preschool program in each office varies. An average is about 5-10 kids per IGNITE class. This allows for a sufficient number of children for group activities and socialization. At the same time, the size is not too overwhelming for young kids. We are able to maintain 1:1 staff to children ratios and keep the therapeutic program personalized.

IGNITE Curriculum

Your child’s IGNITE curriculum is a combination of structured group activities and individualized therapy programs. The curriculums we use for IGNITE focus on fundamental learner and communication skills. The curriculum is broken down by age and skill level to make sure that your child’s goals are appropriately aligned to their ability. 

The programming for your child targets the areas that they need the most support on. The techniques used to implement our curriculum are derived from evidenced-based procedures for children with developmental delays including:

  • Differential Reinforcement (for replacement behaviors and skill acquisition)
  • Functional Communication Training
  • Demand Fading
  • Group Contingencies
  • High-Probability Behavior
  • Prompt Fading
  • Systematic Desensitization
  • Extinction
Every session, the therapists measure each child’s performance on their own development goals. Progress is recorded over time and discussed with parents to ensure that outcomes are being achieved and that parents understand what is being worked on.

Benefits of IGNITE

Research states early intensive intervention is one of the most effective strategies for improving the language, social, and adaptive skill delays associated with autism. Here are some of the goals of IGNITE therapeutic preschool program:
  • Low-risk activities that simulate the demands of a traditional classroom
  • Access to activities that improve social skill development prior to starting school
  • A individualized treatment schedule that focuses on your child’s unique needs
  • High frequency of learning opportunities each day
  • Increased likelihood of a smooth school transition
A large goal of IGNITE is to help early learning develop basic communication skills. Emphasizing the development of these skills early helps kids develop socialization skills to not only work alongside peers but also respond to the demands of a classroom. IGNITE allows children to practice those skills in a safe environment.
Get started

Therapeutic Programs Setting

Therapeutic programs will be offered at all of our locations. Each clinic includes classroom-like settings with circle time areas, tables and learner stations for classroom activities, private rooms for individualized therapies, and sensory gyms for group exercises. Our clinics are designed for children, with fun therapy equipment, vibrant colors, and age-appropriate toys and games.

When Does a Child Graduate from IGNITE Therapeutic Preschool Program?

Once all of a child’s IGNITE goals have been met, it is time for their programming to become more advanced. Because we measure progress on each child’s programs, our therapists know ahead of time when a child is close to mastering all of their IGNITE-related goals. With frequent parent check-ins, parents will also know when IGNITE therapeutic preschool program graduation is approaching.

The more advanced therapy program for children who are not yet school-aged is RISE. The children in the RISE program tend to be a little older and advanced in their skills. The skills that are worked on are higher level, and the curriculum is different. As children master their IGNITE goals, the skills taught in the RISE program began to be introduced as the old curriculum is phased out. Parents can decide whether or not to continue their child in the RISE program by speaking with a therapist ahead of their IGNITE graduation.

picture of a child with a therapist at Westside Children's Therapy therapeutic preschool program IGNITE

Want to Learn More?

If you’re interested in IGNITE at Westside, submit an inquiry. Our Patient Coordinator will call within 1-2 business days to help you determine if IGNITE is right for your child. Alternatively, you can call us anytime at (815) 469-1500 for more information.