A private school seeking mindful innovative solutions for children and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder by implementing educational, therapeutic, and family support programs.
Our program seeks to be a global resource for innovative, research-based tools and solutions for children impacted by ASD.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of The Sonder Academy is to provide each student with an individualized program designed to meet the student’s needs as an exceptional learner in accordance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The goal is to enable each student to utilize the potential that he/she possesses to become a well-adjusted contributing member of society. We believe that each student, regardless of exceptionality, is entitled to this opportunity in the least restrictive environment.
The Sonder Academy staff will utilize a variety of methods, strategies, and resources to motivate our students. To enhance the program, teachers and teacher assistants are involved in ongoing education regarding teaching innovations, educational research and teacher effectiveness. Our credentialed teachers are continually being trained in scientifically-proven instructional strategies. Progress monitoring is being implemented in math and language arts areas to ensure that students make appropriate progress. It is essential to work closely with parents to provide cooperative support between the home and school which will enable to student to achieve success.
ABA Therapy
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.
(Source: Autism Speaks)
Education
We believe in creative solutions on a pathway to great endeavors! Our team is child centered and will academically challenge our students using a wide variety of curriculum, pedagogical methods and tender loving care. We provide an educational program that meets each child where they are, and seeks to develop individualized skill programs. We have a team approach with dedicated educational specialist, teachers, classroom aides, individual aides as needed and parents.Together we work to support our students on their path to lifelong learning.We implement quality programs in the following areas:
Hand on learning activities
Literature based instruction
Enrichment classes, such as art, physical education, gardening and technology.
Social and emotional growth
Sensory action gym
Life skills and safety classes
Small class sizes with a ratio 3:1 or 1:1 as needed
Core curriculum includes:
Mathematics
Language Arts
Social Studies
Science
The 2018-19 teaching staff of The Sonder Academy exceeds the minimum requirements of “Teacher” defined by the FDOE. Our staff education levels are as follows:
Administration: Master of Arts Education, Administration. Master of Arts Education, Curriculum and Instruction. Doctoral Candidate: Educational Leadership.
Teachers:
Master of Arts, Teaching
Master of Science in Profound & Complex Learning Disabilities
Master of Arts, Education
Master of Science with Concentration in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Bachelor Degree with 10+ years of special education experience.
