We address the holistic development of our students with three programmatic focus areas: Life Skills, Education and Therapies. We leverage the Family Centered Approach to work in partnership with families, creating the best environment for a child’s mental, physical and emotional well-being. This allows us to connect with families in an intimate and unique way.
We have three Capacity focus areas at Lion Star Academy:
Life Skills
LSA is an organization that engages the child fully. We leverage hands-on learning to teach students collaboration, cohesion and collective progress. Focusing on students’ sensory and physical needs, LSA provides safe spaces for them to be fully self-expressed:
• Realistic Independent Skills Education (RISE) Center: laundry sorting, shopping, filing, money sorting, container organization, kitchen clean-up, teeth brushing, vacuuming, etc.
• Sensory Room: engages students' senses, providing necessary neurological input when students are overwhelmed, need to rest, reset, etc.
Education
LSA utilizes a variety of curriculum and support materials, implementing modifications and customizations to meet our students at their individual developmental level:
• BASICS 3: targets skills in five domains: Functional Academics, Domestic Domain, Community Domain, Vocational Domain, Recreational and Leisure
• ABLES (Abilities Based Learning and Education Support)
• STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research)
• CPALMS: Online toolbox of information, vetted resources and interactive tools that helps educators effectively implement the State of Florida’s curriculum teaching standards
Therapies
LSA offers in-house Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy to improve students’ optimal performance and success. We aim to mature the nervous system through active, mindful and intentional tasks. LSA teachers are equipped with in-service training in therapeutic techniques and behavior strategies to continuously enhance their skills, insight and handling.
• Speech therapy: focuses on the assessment and treatment of speech language delay, feeding and oral motor development, as well as auditory processing. LSA strives to provide the right support, treatment strategy and equipment needed to improve students’ function and independence.
• Occupational therapy: focuses on improving functional abilities and independence. We address achieving milestones, sensory integration, self-help, feeding, communication, play and social skills, and any adaptive needs such as splinting, wheelchair adaptation or any other special equipment needed to promote independence. LSA teachers, families and supporting staff work closely to promote participation and adapt the environment to student needs. We commonly treat: neurological disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, chromosomal abnormalities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficits, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, sensory processing difficulties, feeding difficulties
• Physical therapy: focuses on motor development, with services such as mobility, positioning, range of motion, play and gross motor skills. Our gym functions as a therapeutic and play space. LSA’s therapists develop individualized programs of play activities that address each student’s specific need to improve strength, movement and function. We partner with families to educate parents about maintaining daily routines, socialization and physical activity. We commonly treat: neurological disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, chromosomal abnormalities, autism spectrum disorders, apraxia, coordination disorder
“I feel like the teachers here are more knowledgeable and caring. They implement a good combination of academics, life skills and fun to ensure the kids’ brains are properly stimulated.”
- Vanessa, parent