Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 2 | 2010 | Number 1 | On-line ISSN: 2151-4704
New ABAI Organizational Member: Criterion Child Enrichment
Criterion Child Enrichment is a private, nonprofit, organization dedicated to facilitating the growth of capacity in families to nurture the development of healthy young children. Guided by a philosophy based in an inclusive concept of "family," Criterion tailors services to the lifestyle and values of an increasingly diverse culture, recognizing that modern society is comprised of a wide range of family types. The agency believes that all families can use their strengths to achieve realistic, family-driven, and measurable outcomes. Criterion programs enable parents to realistically assess family strengths and access community resources designed to help them meet identified needs.
Behaviorally Based Early Learning Initiatives
Criterion Child Enrichment offers enrichment programs designed to teach preschoolers the early language, literacy, and mathematics skills necessary to establish a solid academic foundation for future school success. Children enrolled at Rise and Shine Academy, a National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited childcare center, may participate in the Early Literacy Focus (ELF) and Math Magic early learning programs. ELF and Math Magic utilize direct instruction programs as core curriculum components (reading mastery and connecting math concepts). Direct instruction programs provide evidence-based instruction by implementing carefully designed, scripted lessons that stress repeated practice and mastery of skills. Children are organized into small, homogeneous groups for instruction. Teachers lead fast-paced lessons and employ research verified strategies designed to provide children with continuous feedback that confirms or corrects responses.
Child Screening and Placement
Children are screened for ELF and Math Magic readiness beginning at three-and-a-half years of age. Social maturity, readiness to participate in a small group learning experience, and child preference are factors considered during the screening and placement process. The process may include classroom observation, a review of the child's work samples, and consultation with the classroom teacher, as well as program screening, to determine the most appropriate placement for individual children. Children not eligible for small group instruction and those waiting for screening or assessment prior to group placement receive instruction in their home classroom that is based on direct instruction curriculum objectives and instructional strategies.
Monitoring Child Progress
Child progress is monitored using both curriculum-based and standardized assessments. Standardized assessments provide insight regarding the rate of skill acquisition, on indicator of instructional effectiveness (Preschool Language Scale, Woodcock Reading Mastery Test, and Key Math). Child progress is assessed using data obtained from program specific mastery tests. Assessment data, direct observation, and teacher report are used to adjust program placement and instructional delivery to ensure maximum learning and acquisition of learning objectives.
Early Learning Outcomes
The teaching methodology and instructional strategies inherent in direct instruction programs increase the efficiency of teaching and can reliably accelerate children's learning. While outcomes vary, many children participating in the ELF program demonstrate two months' growth per one month of participation. For preschool children entering kindergarten, outcome data provides parents and future teachers with an accurate account of child strengths while targeting skill areas needing further development. Children may attend two-day, three-day, or five-day reading groups and average between 15-19 months total instructional time. Children exit Rise and Shine Academy for Kindergarten at an average chronological age of 5 years, 4 months. The average outcomes on the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test for children across all groups are an Age Equivalent score of 5 years, 11 months and a Grade Equivalent score of K.7. It is noteworthy that 100% of children participating in the literacy program have entered kindergarten performing above grade level. This is a particularly remarkable outcome given that children are admitted without developmental screening or regard for family income.