Little Star Center Launching Group Enrichment Program Beginning Sept 2!

Little Star Center will be launching its new Group Enrichment Program (GEP) starting September 2, 2009. The goal of the Group Enrichment Program is to provide a transitional environment for children who will be entering Kindergarten in August 2010. The program will:

• Have a curriculum that exceeds state education standards adapted from the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) college-preparatory charter school.
• Feature small group size (8-9 children) and be staffed by 4 trained and certified professionals providing a staff to student ratio that will maximize the learning potential of each child in the program.
• Be held in the new expansion space of Little Star Center with access to our Sensory Room, Arts & Crafts Area, and a fenced in playground
• Serve both children with autism and typically developing peers (50-50 mix) and will consist of the same physical and academic environment found in traditional early childhood programs

The Open House will provide an opportunity for parents to familiarize themselves with the center and the staff. Open House will be from 9am-12pm. Parents will bring their child to the center, have a brief orientation and tour from Little Star staff, and then have a free morning while their child stays at Little Star. During the open house children will participate in group activities with Little Star staff to determine their eligibility for the program.

Little Star Center is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 to serve the needs of children and families affected by autism. The center provides a variety of intervention components including 1:1 ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, toilet training, community outings, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and a gated outdoor playground.

The Group Enrichment Program will be led by Ilana Hernandez. Ilana has over 7 years of experience working with both typically developing children and children with disabilities. Ilana was a member of Teach for America and is a certified general education and special education teacher. She is currently working on her M.A. in Special Education and her BCBA Certification. She has worked with children in a residential facility, as a social worker, and in the public school system. She is currently working 1:1 with children at Little Star Center in addition to organizing and leading group instruction. Ilana taught in a preschool program for children with disabilities from 2006-2008, and as a general education preschool teacher for the 2008-2009 school year.

Please feel free to contact Ilana directly by e-mail at ilanah@littlestarcenter.org or by phone at (317) 249-2242. Ilana would love to meet individually with parents interested in the program to answer any questions and/or explain the program in more detail.

FAQ’s about the Group Enrichment Program (GEP):

• When will it begin?

  The GEP will Begin September 2, 2009 and will be a year round program offered by Little Star Center.

• What are the hours?

  The GEP will be from 8:30AM-12:30PM Monday through Friday, children are expected to attend daily.

• Will you have Field Trips?

  Yes, we will have scheduled outings and field trips to places such as the Indianapolis Zoo, The Children’s Museum, the park, etc.

• How much does it cost?

  $125.00 a week.

• Are there other charges?

  Children that are eligible to attend GEP will be required to pay a $25.00 Registration Fee and a $50.00 Materials Fee.