Frequently-Asked Questions
Early intervention (EI) means identifying and providing early support services to children with developmental disabilities and delays. Intensive early intervention results in improvements in IQ, receptive/expressive language and areas of adaptive functioning (Warren et al, 2011 & Dawson, et al, 2009). Furthermore, research has shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcomes for children (Wetherby & Woods, 2006). EI teams may include professionals in behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services depending on the needs of the child and family. At Sprouted Sage, our team consists of board certified behavior analysts, occupational and speech therapists, classroom teachers, and behavior technicians.
At Sprouted Sage, we take a team-based approach to treatment, where your child will work closely with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), speech language pathologist (SLP), ocupational therapist (OT), Behavior Technicians, and a classroom teacher. This collaborative team provides personalized support to help your child thrive in our therapeutic day program.
Services are primarily provided at Sprouted Sage in a natural environment-based setting, with additional support available at home as needed. Each child receives an individualized treatment plan, which can be tailored to fit a variety of settings.
At Sprouted Sage, parents and caregivers are a vital and integral part of our team. Their input helps shape the assessment and treatment process. Caregivers are encouraged to actively observe and engage in their child’s treatment. Parents are welcome to reach out to their child’s BCBA with any questions or for additional support. If further assistance is needed, our Sunfield Center clinical team is also available to offer psychoeducation and evidence-based interventions to further support families.
Sprouted Sage offers an intensive early intervention program called Sprouted Sage Day Program, designed for children ages 6 and younger. This program runs five days a week from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, providing children with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT). Speech sessions are typically 30 minutes, and OT sessions are typically 30-45 minutes.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a personalized, evidence-based approach that focuses on improving specific skills and behaviors in children. It uses principles of learning to teach and reinforce communication, social, emotional, and self-help skills. Sprouted Sage’s approach to ABA therapy is delivered in a natural, play-based environment, and each child receives individualized support to meet their unique needs. This therapy helps children develop important skills, enhance independence, and navigate their environment in a way that respects their strengths and preferences.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats speech, language, and communication disorders. SLPs help individuals improve their ability to speak clearly, understand and express language, and communicate effectively in everyday situations. They use various techniques and activities to support speech development, address challenges with communication, and assist with feeding and swallowing difficulties.
An occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily activities, or “occupations.” These activities can include self-care tasks like dressing and feeding, as well as school activities. Sprouted Sage’s OTs work with clients using specialized techniques and exercises to improve motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing. The goal is to help individuals live as independently and effectively as possible in their daily lives.
A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a professional with expertise in behavior analysis who studies the behavior of children and adults. They create individualized, neuro-affirming plans to help individuals improve communication, develop receptive and expressive language skills, enhance cognitive abilities, and reduce behaviors that may be challenging. BCBAs use evidence-based, compassionate approaches to support each person’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring that interventions are respectful, empowering, and tailored to foster positive growth and well-being.
At Sprouted Sage our behavior technicians provide 1:1 support to the children in our program. They help implement learning programs that support self-help, communication, and play skills. They receive guidance from our Educational Specialists and are closely supported by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA offers supervision that includes case conceptualization, problem-solving, observation, treatment planning, and modeling of intervention strategies to ensure the highest quality of care and support for each child.
An RBT is a behavior technician who has an RBT credential, which is a nationally recognized certification that requires the completion of a 40 hour applied behavior analysis training, a competency assessment completed by a board certified behavior analyst and to have passed an exam. At Sprouted Sage RBTs receive guidance from our classroom teachers and are closely supported by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA offers supervision that includes case conceptualization, problem-solving, observation, treatment planning, and modeling of intervention strategies to ensure the highest quality of care and support for each child.