ABC School (Ages 6-22)

Take a virtual tour of ABC School:

ABC School is a non-public school that serves children and young adults from ages 6 to 22 that have autism and other developmental disabilities.  ABC School offers community-based programming which provide students the opportunity to learn generalized skills that are transferable to daily real world settings in addition to the classroom environment. ABC School’s highly specialized curriculum and highly trained staff, excel in helping students who have been unable to succeed elsewhere. ABC School’s functional skills curriculum includes math, language arts, vocational training, culinary classes, art classes, music classes, travel training and self-help skills.

ABC School utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH structured teaching methodologies, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction (CBI). ABC School specializes in behavior management, offering a positive behavior support approach to maladaptive behaviors that prevent the student from being successful in a less restricted environment. Utilizing a team approach, students are regularly assessed to determine skill acquisition and maintenance in accordance with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. ABC provides 1:2 staff to student support unless otherwise specified in a student’s IEP.

Workability vocational training and transition preparation program for students 16 years of age and older is provided. In this comprehensive program, students are assessed to identify areas of strength and employable skills and then matched with an employment opportunity in the local community. Students receive training to include: mock interview trials, job application practice, mobility training with public transportation, budgeting and banking skills, problem solving, and safety skills within the work environment. Additionally, Students receive on the job training through staff assistance and job coaching and bi-weekly paychecks!

Current Workability vocational training sites for students at the A Better Chance School:

  • Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (aka “WestCAT”)
  • Milo Foundation
  • RabbitEars Pet Supply
  • Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  • The Richmond Memorial Auditorium
  • Accurate Auto Body
  • The Watershed Project
  • East Bay Regional Park District

Graduating students of ABC School receive a Certificate of Completion and will transition from school to adult life with confidence, work skills and community experiences that will promote future success.

Schedule a Tour Today!
ABC School
Dr. Edith Molinier, Director of Special Education and Training
emolinier@calautism.org
(510) 262-1500, Ext. 101

Wearing a mask to protect my friends and teachers at ABC School

Selection of our Virtual Lessons / Resources on YouTube

Hi Everyone,Happy Monday! Please find below our list of daily activities, plus the links to the videos.

Thanks so much! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to video conference.

Have such a great week!
Jaycie

Monday:
Daily song: You Are My Sunshine

Suggested playlist:
1. Dancing In The Dark, Bruce Springsteen
2. Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Will Smith
3. I Got A Feeling, Black Eyed Peas

Daily Lesson: Water Play: Magnet fishing
What you’ll need: something large to put water in (ie: sink, tupperware, storage bin), water, refrigerator magnets, string

Optional: Stick
How to: tie one magnet to the end of your string. Fill container with water. Place all other magnets around the bottom of the container, making sure they’re not too close together. Use the magnet on a string to “fish” for the other magnets. You can tie your string to a stick you find outside for an added challenge.

Daily book: Pete The Cat: Play Ball!

Daily stretch: Jumping Jacks

Music

Lesson

Book

Stretch

Staff Bios

Teri JasmanTeri Jasman
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

As a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), I enjoy helping students to identify and build on their aptitudes, interests and motivation so that they can achieve more in school and life.  I am proud to help empower those who have less reliable communication to gain agency of voice. I have provided consultation to A Better Chance School since 2016, developing positive behavior support plans, providing behavior consultation and training for staff and teachers.  I have been in the field of special education for 25 years as an independent contractor providing behavior analytic services to schools, individuals and recreation programs. I received an MA in Special Education from San Francisco State University in 1999 and received BCBA certification in 2014.


Danielle TraegerDanielle Traeger
Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

My name is Danielle Traeger, and I am the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at ABC! I grew up in Benicia, went to UC Santa Barbara for undergrad, and then to Northern Arizona University for my graduate program. I specialize in AAC (alternative and argumentative communication), and this is my 7th year working in schools with students who have complex communication needs.

 


Michelle Estrada
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)


Lisa Falcon VelásquezLisa Falcon Velásquez
Administrative Assistant/ Behavior Assistant/Workability 1 Coordinator

Lisa is entering her 7th year at ABC School where her role falls into three areas; as behavior assistant, she is responsible for all data collection and collaborating with the school’s behaviorist on student behavior support plans. As an administrative assistant, she is also responsible for helping the Principal and the Assistant Director in complying with the State of California’s Department of Education requirements and staff training. She is also taking on a new role this year as ABC School’s Workability 1, job training, coordinator!

Lisa brings over 30 years of experience to our team. She has worked with children with special needs across the state in a variety of organizations including public and parochial schools, the YMCA and behavioral consultant firms. Prior to working in the field of special education, Lisa spent a decade working in the environmental lab industry, where she honed her analytical skills as a project manager.

Early in her career, Lisa spent 5 years as a cast member at Disneyland where she had a role in the Hunchback of Notre Dame show. In her spare time, you can find Lisa on the Berkeley Marina riding her bike or in her home studio painting.


School Calendar

School Accountability Report Cards (SARC)

Additional Resources

ABC swimming fun is back!

Pictures from December 2020 Graduation

Pictures from our annual Halloween celebration