Programs for students with autism
About 1 in 36 U.S. children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020.
The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the ongoing and urgent need for culturally sensitive screening and access to effective interventions for all children.
To meet the growing needs of Santa Cruz County children diagnosed with ASD and their families, the County Office of Education opened the Chrysalis Center in 2009. Located near the Live Oak School District Office and Green Acres Elementary School campus, the 7,400 square foot building was completely financed by state bond funding.
The Chrysalis Program currently serves pre-school through 12th grade children from throughout the north county. Students are referred by their district of residence. The program provides services in special day classrooms, each with a credentialed teacher. Support staff include multiple instructional assistants, speech pathologists certificated in augmentative/alternative communication (AAC), occupational therapists, adaptive physical education teacher, Behavior Analysts, and School Psychologists. The program is operated under the guidance of COE’s Special Education Administrator who is also a School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as an onsite Program Coordinator.
We utilize the resources and training available through the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) as a roadmap to providing intervention practices. CAPTAIN is a cross agency network developed to the understanding and use of evidence based practices (EBPs) throughout California. Cadre members receive training through the annual CAPTAIN Summit so they can provide local training, implementation, coaching and dissemination of EBPs. The SCCOE has had multiple CAPTAIN Cadre members since the group’s inception in 2008. Our programs balance the need for highly structured programs early one, with the necessity of teaching flexibility and work skills. Our high school SDC program serves as “Bridge” in which our students spend more time in group settings and in the community to prepare them for a successful Post-Secondary transition after high school, and ultimately adult living.
The Chrysalis Center fulfills our goal to create a cost-effective, quality, specialized public school program that minimizes the need for school districts to seek expensive outside services. The staff of California Children’s Services Medical Therapy Unit moved from their previous location to also occupy some space in the facility in a continuing partnership with the County Office of Education. Also housed in the Center is Midtown Montessori, a typically developing preschool which provides inclusion opportunities for our preschool students while our Elementary aged students join Green Acres Elementary. Our middle and high school programs are housed on comprehensive campuses, in Capitol and Soquel.
