Early Childhood Development
Westview utilizes the STAR program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) as the curriculum for our preschool level students. STAR is a research-validated, comprehensive program that includes detailed lesson plans, teaching materials, data systems, and assessments for teaching young children in six curricular areas. The strategies used in the STAR Program utilize evidence-based practices identified in the 2015 National Standards Report and recommended by the National Research Council for use in programs specific to students on the autism spectrum and with other developmental delays. The STAR assessment component identifies present levels of performance of each student, based on a scope and sequence of developmental skills. The assessment report is utilized for tracking and reporting student progress and identifies the next instructional skills targeted for the classroom as well as individualized student instruction. Early Childhood classes typically contain five to six children with a teacher and a teacher assistant. Most children in these classes are 2 to 4 years of age. Some pre-academic skills are introduced, but the primary focus of this level is receptive/expressive language, imitation, social interaction, self-help skills, and the acquisition of appropriate school readiness skills. Teachers utilize the STAR Program to encourage the development of self-regulation, attending skills, and joint attention through theme-based learning units.