A Better Chance School (ABC) is a non-public school serving children and young adults, ages 6-22, with autism and similar developmental disabilities. Our philosophy is based upon the tenets of a holistic approach to a child's individual education needs and incorporating best practice teaching methodologies. A Better Chance School provides functional and community based instructional curriculum through structured teaching methods to encourage and promote each student to reach his or her full potential and be as independent as possible.

A Better Chance School utilizes best practices within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) including strategies of discrete trial training, incidental teaching, activity-embedded instruction, task analysis and chaining, prompts and prompt-fading, student centered choice, and positive reinforcement. TEACcH structured teaching methodologies, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction (CBI) are also an integral part of ABC School program. ABC School specializes in behavior management and offers a positive behavior support approach to challenging maladaptive behaviors that are preventing the student from being successful in a less restricted environment.

Each student is individually evaluated and assessed to determine their own Positive Behavior Support and Intervention Plan and the staff are trained in best practices in behavior management and positive crisis intervention. ABC School does not implement punishment consequences and evaluates each student’s sensory needs, communication and social skills deficits to determine an appropriate positive intervention plan where the student can be successful and decrease the occurrence of maladaptive behaviors.

ABC School emphasizes the importance of data collection and consistent evaluation of student skill acquisition, skill maintenance, and skill deficit to determine the most appropriate and achievable Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals. Students are regularly assessed, through alternative assessments, portfolios, work samples, direct observation, systematic data collection, and quarterly progress reports.

ABC School offers a comprehensive Workability vocational training and transition preparation program for students 16 years of age and older. We are fortunate to receive the funding for this program through the State of California Workability 1 grant, which allows us to pay our students a wage for their work and employ a Workability Director to oversee this program and continue to recruit local businesses to employ our students. Students are assessed to identify areas of strength and employable skills and then matched with an employment opportunity in the local community. Students receive on the job training through staff assistance and job coaching and receive a weekly paycheck. Other areas of training 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.

ABC School students are mainstreamed into less restrictive programs as soon as possible and our individualized transition services help students make a successful transition into their next program. Graduating students of A Better Chance School receive a Certificate of Completion and will transition from school to adult life with many work skills and community experiences that will promote future success.

For more information about ABC School , how to enroll your child, or schedule a tour of the school, please email Leslie Werosh at lwerosh@calautism.org or call Leslie at 510-262-1500 ext 101.