Elementary Behavior School (EBS)

Early Childhood Center Emotional Behavioral Program

Our Elementary Behavioral School provides a therapeutic, structured environment for students who have emotional, behavioral and social adjustment difficulties that impact their ability to make effective progress in a traditional school setting. We serve students from age 3-12 in grades PK-6. We have the capability to cater to students with a variety of cognitive abilities to include above average and well below average abilities, learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dysgraphia, as well as those with behavioral, social, organizational or emotional challenges.

The program’s behavior management system utilizes clear expectations and positive behavioral supports to help students learn alternative coping strategies, develop appropriate relations, focus on their school work and ultimately improve overall performance. Students are encouraged to choose personally relevant coping mechanisms and safe break spaces during times of stress. Weekly instruction in social skills assists students in connecting positive behaviors to positive outcomes and relevant consequences to negative behaviors. These skills are then reinforced throughout the school by all staff members. Developing a positive school community is paramount in our program as we teach students how their behaviors impact the environment, themselves, their peers and the adults in their lives.

Although the philosophy is based upon behavioral principles many therapists work together as a team to determine the most effective plan to treat the whole child. Our integrated therapy approach provides Board Certified Behavior Analysts, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists and social workers that work with the classroom staff to ensure the entire student’s needs are met.

In addition, the setting allows for small class sizes, an individualized teaching approach and the use of a variety of instructional methods to motivate the students. The curriculum is taught using small groups at differentiated instructional levels while adhering to the Massachusetts State Frameworks. The curriculum is based upon a structured Direct Instruction lesson ensuring the students acquire the skill. The content areas are addressed by theme each month across the program. Each year scaffolds upon the previous year’s skills creating an enriching environment but offering repetition in skills needed by students to ensure learning. Lessons are accompanied by visuals, manipulatives and motivating hands on projects to allow students to extend their learning to real life applications.