Curriculum

Fairview Heights, Illinois

Specific Curriculum

One of the core components of the program is independent and semi-independent living skills training. Students are prepared to develop the communicative, daily living readiness skills required to function as independently as possible. These skills are taught in the school setting and through community-based instruction.

The Curriculum in Mason’s Place Too School teaches functional life skills in the areas of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Health, Social Studies and Science.

Positive Behavior Support

Formalized behavior support is provided for individual students, classrooms and the entire school. At the individual level, behavior management includes the use of positive reinforcement systems and behavior intervention plans designed by trained professionals.

Curriculum Includes:

  • Individualized instruction in small classes with a high staff to student ratio
  • Functional life skills curriculum
  • Academic skills development including Teaching and Educating Autistic and Communicatively Handicapped Children (TEACH)
  • Communicative skills development including speech and language therapy, Picture Exchange Communication System and total communication programs
  • Occupational therapy
  • Sensory integration therapy
  • Computer programs
  • Art and music programs
  • Adaptive Physical Education
  • Parent support and education groups
  • Mental health and counseling services
  • Applied Behavior Analysis 
  • Behavior intervention development and implementation

Specialized Instructional Programs

The fundamental premise of Mason’s Place Too is that every child can achieve his/her highest potential. Mason’s Place Too offers an education that teaches life-long independent skills in the areas of domestic, vocational, and recreation/leisure skills.

Mason’s Place Too serves students ages five through twelve in a setting that supports a diverse range of learning needs. Some of our students are neurodivergent, while others are neurotypical—but all benefit from a developmentally supportive environment tailored to their unique strengths. While many of our students have developmental disabilities, some also face behavioral challenges, which we address using the principles of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS).

Our collaborative team of dedicated professionals integrates social and language skill development into every aspect of the curriculum, ensuring that learning is meaningful, inclusive, and empowering for every child.

Specialized Classes

Specialized classes in the autistic spectrum are designed for non-verbal or limited language students Through the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and alternate augmentative communication systems, students develop the ability to express their wants and needs. Additionally, classes target students’ multiple sensory needs through Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Language Therapy and Adaptive Physical Education (APE). A variety of methods of instruction is used to maximize individual strengths including Applied Behavior Analysis, Sensory Integration, PECS, and TEACH.