During the past several weeks, I have had many inquiries regarding our programs at Under the Umbrella. While I would love to be of service to all children and families, I understand that our program does not meet the needs of all children. I often will refer families to other centers that I believe will be able to benefit them the most. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that I receive along with the answers that I will typically give to parents:

1. Do you use or have an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) program? I will tell parents that we use some of the principles of ABA, such as positive reinforcement to increase language skills and decrease undesirable behaviors. We use an integrated approach by taking bits and pieces from various programs to meet the needs of each child instead of making the child fit our curriculum.

2. How do you communicate with parents? Each child receives a daily take-home binder filled with information regarding what each child has accomplished for the given day. We also encourage parents to contact us via email with any questions or concerns. Since I am a visual person, I like to have the information right in front of me!!

3. Do you provide 1:1 services and group services? We provide both! In our C.L.A.S.S. Program (Communication, Language, and Social Skills) we provide both individual and group learning activities in a classroom like environment. We follow a structured schedule that allows for easy transitioning; yet is flexible enough to accommodate the "full-moons" all of us experience! We also provide an INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT SERVICE PROGRAM. This program is ideal for children already in public, private, or home-school settings who are in need of supplemental support in the areas of communication, language, behavior management, and improving academic and school readiness skills. We work with already existing IEP goals, as well as design our own goals ad objectives for each child. We welcome all learners, including, but not limited to children on the autism spectrum, sensory integration disregulation, ADD/ADHD, auditory and cognitive processing challenges, and intellectual disabilities, and social skills

4. Do you work with other professionals outside of Under the Umbrella? Yes!! We encourage open communications with other professionals in your child's life! We do not believe in re-inventing the wheel, but rather we want the wheel(s) to work in conjunction with one another! We invite therapists-not associated with Under the Umbrella- to visit with us and provide services at Under the Umbrella FREE of charge! We believe the only way a child will be successful is to work together as a team!

5. What role does a parent play in the learning process? Parents are an integral part of the process! We encourage parents to ask questions, tell us what they want, and then together we make decisions that are best for the individual CHILD! Some parents want more of a focus on social skills and other parents want more focus on functional communication and peer play!

6. Do you provide speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy? We are currently collaborating with Dynamic Therapy. They provide group social and language skills to our children as well as individualized therapy as needed. They take insurance and Medcaid!

7. What is the student to teacher ratio? Our maximum ratio is 1:6, but we are able to maintain a 1:4 ratio.

8. What about staff certification(s) and qualifications? As a professional in this field for over 10 years, I have experience working with certified and non-certified teachers/facilitators. What I have found most important is that a "professional" is able to build a rapport with a child and apply the skills and knowledge that they have and continue to acquire with each child they work with. I have hired certified and skilled teachers/facilitators and though they look good on paper, they are unable to build the vital rapport needed in order to help a child be successful. The most important qualities to look for in a teacher/facilitator include having a thirst for knowledge, a love for children, and a desire to work together as a team with both parents and other professionals.

9. What if I decide to move on to another program? We encourage parents to make an informed decision! We will provide parents with a list of other programs, centers, and schools for them to visit so they are able to make the best decision for their child and their family needs. We want children to attend the programs at Under the Umbrella because our program will best be able to meet their needs and encourage growth in communication, language, and social skills development. Should you choose to look into other programs we are happy to assist and provide any information needed in order to make the new transition as easy and smooth as possible!

10. What ages do you accept children? We will begin transitioning children from ECI (2.5 years old) with their current therapists, so that when they turn 3, they are able to make a comfortable move to Under the Umbrella. Acceptance is based on individual needs and interviews. We accept children based on developmental needs, rather than chronological age.

These are just some of the questions I receive from parents looking into various programs for their child. I always let parents know that they should make a choice based on all the information they can get their hands on! We want parents to be part of the UTU Family because it is the best choice for their child, not because it is the only choice.

At Under the Umbrella we have an open door policy. We welcome and encourage questions, suggestions, and feedback from parents and professionals! The only way we can grow and continue to provide, not only appropriate services, but GREAT services for each child, is to hear what parents desire. While we cannot always provide exactly what parents need, we strive to work with parents and professionals so that ALL children can find success in a variety of areas that are curtailed to their individual learning style.

I hope this helps parents when they contact other centers, schools, and facilities! Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any other questions, suggestions, or feedback! I hope to hear from many of you and I wish you ALL the best of luck on your journey!

Lesli Bernanke
Director and Founder of Special Programs
Under the Umbrella
www.under-the-umbrella.com