Community Arts

16 preschoolers on the Autism Spectrum/Cognitive Delays and their parent will attend a parent child training program incorporating theater techniques, theater games, movement and emotions to help build social skills and communication. Parents will learn creative ways to encourage learning and participation in their child in the 8 week session by working with Instructors and their children in this theater/play based offering. The students will be divided into 2 classes. Studies show that the earlier you address communication, behaviors, social skills and speech in those children on the Autism Spectrum the better equipped they will be when entering school. The children and their parents who will register for this program have not had an opportunity to learn how creativity and the arts can be beneficial in the growth of their child. Weekly progress reports will be taken and curriculum adjusted to meet the needs of each participant. Ongoing communication/feedback will be addressed after each class period answering questions of parents, offering ideas and suggestions for ongoing activities they may do at home and in class. Prior to class startup a student profile will be sent out to parents asking child's skill level, diagnosis, strengths, weaknesses and other pertinent information. Parents will be asked to evaluate the program on a bi-weekly basis. Teaching artists will do weekly evaluations on each student and document outcomes. The last class period other family members will be invited to class and participate if they wish in activities. Evaluation forms will be given to attendees and an evaluation will be made of the program going forward. The week following the culmination of the program Instructors will call parents and inquire as to what learning techniques they are continuing to do at home and benefits they have observed having participated.