Project DATA

Blending approaches to meet individual needs

Meeting the needs of young children with autism is becoming an increasing challenge for families and school districts. Recent research suggests that effective early intervention programs for children with autism may be more critical than previously believed.

The goal of this project is to blend the strengths of different disciplines such as early childhood education, early childhood special education, and applied behavior analysis to develop, implement, evaluate and replicate a school-based/center-based program for toddlers and preschoolers with autism that is effective, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of consumers (i.e., families and school district personnel).

Project DATA was originally developed with funds from a Department of Education, Office of Special Education Model Demonstration grant. Currently the program is funded by the Seattle School District and private donations. Since 1997, Project DATA has served over 100 preschoolers. Over 50% of the graduates make the transition into inclusive elementary classrooms.

What is Project DATA?

The core of this model is a quality early childhood special education program that includes:

· Opportunities to interact successfully with typical peers

· Functional assessment and evaluation strategies

· Appropriate curriculum to meet individual child needs

· Effective instructional strategies

This project will provide additional services including:

· Explicit instruction to facilitate experiences in the classroom

· Technical and social support for families

· Collaboration with other family-negotiated services

· Transition planning and follow-up

Increased Intensity and Support:

Toddlers

If you think that your child my have autism, contact your pediatrician and/or your local early intervention center to make an appointment for an evaluation.This is the first step in insuring early intervention services for your child.

If your child is eligible for early intervention services, we will develop an IFSP and put together a program that addresses your child’s and your family’s needs.

Services at the EEU for a child with autism spectrum disorders may include:

• Twice a week in an integrated play group
  
  
• Additional highly structured learning time (the amount of additional time is determined by the IFSP team)
  
  
• Home and/or community visits
  
  
• Family support and education (amount of time is determined by IFSP team and may vary throughout the year)
  

We will collect progress data to make sure that your child is making progress and the services are meeting your child’s and your family’s needs.

Preschoolers

· Additional 11 hours of highly supported instructional time (22.5 hours total school programing per week).

· Training to guide families in providing five hours of additional instruction in the home.

Funding

· The Toddler model is funded through contracts with King County and Seattle Public Schools.

· The Preschool model is funded by Seattle Public Schools.

· Project DATA also accepts donations to fund services for children with autism and their families. Donation are tax deductible and 100% of donations go directly to the program. For more information contact Ilene Schwartz (206) 616-5450. Donations can be made to:

UW - Project DATA

University of Washington

Box 357925

Seattle, WA 98195

If you want to learn more about this project please contact the Experimental Education Unit (206) 543-4011 or send email to: Jaime Martin (jaimem2@u.washington.edu).