BAC is dedicated to providing quality comprehensive educational programming that supports our students in achieving their fullest potential. We strive to teach skills that lead to integrating our students into their community so they will be able to lead independent and fulfilling lives. We aim to create a community of acceptance, a society that understands the challenges faced by individuals with autism and one that embraces diversity.

BAC’s philosophy is grounded in data-based scientific research, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – the educational standard and best practice for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to determining the environmental variables that effect behavior.  Assessment and intervention are well controlled and applied systematically in order to determine the purpose of behavior and develop effective interventions to increase socially significant behavior and decrease other interfering behaviors.

Teaching methods are based on the principles of ABA and are highly individualized to the needs of each student.

All instructors hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and have completed our extensive training program. Staff are supervised by our Clinical Supervisors (who work directly under our Educational Director) who have several years of experience working with individuals with autism and practicing applied behavior analysis.

Our Educational Director, who is a board certified behavior analyst and licensed behavior analyst within New York state, oversees the classrooms and all aspects of curriculum development, staff training, research, functional behavior assessments, development of behavior plans, training, supervising BCBA candidates, and ensures the overall quality and effectiveness of the day-to-day education and treatment of our students.

Who we are?

BAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) school in downtown Brooklyn serving children aged 5-21. Current enrollment is 19; between the ages of 5 and 18 years old and have a diagnosis of autism, PDD or related disorder. 

Is our program year-round?
Yes, BAC is a 12-month program. School days are from 9am – 3pm. We follow the NYC public school calendar. 

Is your program all ABA?
Yes. Applied Behavior Analysis is the educational standard and best practice for children on the Autism Spectrum. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is applied across the day by using specific techniques to increase skill acquisition and decrease maladaptive behaviors. Basic principles of behavior analysis such as reinforcement are used to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior.  

Is your program 1:1?  
Yes, a 1:1 student to staff ratio is applied across the day. In order to facilitate generalization of skills, each student is assigned 3-4 Instructors who rotate every 45 minutes. Structured group learning opportunities may be programmed into a student’s schedule to provide opportunities to work with their peers. Each student’s education and treatment program is individualized. Our students have a curriculum based on their specific needs – whether within the realm of academics, behavior management, communication, self-care, vocational skills, or social skills. 

What technology is used at BAC?

We utilize various forms of technology throughout the school day to supplement and enrich every student’s program. This includes computers, iPads, Kindles, interactive SmartBoard lessons, educational software, and online reading, writing and math programs. Computers, iPads or Kindles may be introduced and utilized for the development of leisure skills at school. For nonverbal or minimally verbal students, iPads may be utilized as a communication device. 

What type of extra-curricular activities does BAC do?
Our extra-curricular programs include horseback riding, dance, music, fitness, art and periodic field trips.

What is BAC Friends?
BAC Friends is our Peer Socialization after-school program, which meets once weekly on Thursdays.

What is the training & education level of BAC instructors?
BAC instructors are college graduates and come to BAC with experience working with children on the spectrum. Over 70% of BAC instructors hold or are in the process of obtaining a Master’s degree in Education. Over 70% of our instructors are in the process of working towards national certification. All instructors are CPR certified and trained in First Aid and PMT (Physical & Psychological Management Training). Ongoing training at BAC is extensive and includes daily supervision by onsite BCBAs.

Do you offer related services such as OT & PT on-site?
Related services are not provided during school hours but we are happy to help coordinate them. 

How are parents kept updated on their child’s progress?
The parents and caregivers of our students are our greatest resources and strongest partners. Our staff partners with families in school and the home to build trust, promote continuity of learning, and reinforce key strategies. Monthly clinics between parents and staff are mandatory. Through daily updates, monthly clinics, annual IEP meetings with ther children’s teachers and supervisors, and additional training opportunities in the home, families and staff work together to build skills across home, school, and real-world settings.

Greta (16 y/o) recently transitioned back in from remote instruction

Pat (Dad):

It has been so gratifying to see G back in the fold. I know there’s a lot of details and next steps to tackle but G just engaging with her teachers and peers, getting out into the community and just overall having a more meaningful schedule (no offense to zoom and remote learning, everyone did an amazing job. LOL) has been just awesome.  The greatest thing is when she’s done with breakfast she signs for help and leads you to bring her bags to the front door, eager to wait for the bus in the front gate.  Makes me so happy. 

Jonathan (7 y/o)

Jennifer (Mom):

Thank you so much for checking in!! Yes he amazes me everyday!!! It’s always a steady improvement even on his bad days!! We are all doing well and he has been working so hard in school and home with us!! One day he was playing in the yard with Nathaniel and he heard the ice cream truck he came running through the house screaming I want ice cream!!! Then another night Nathaniel was with him in the back yard while I was cleaning up the toys and he kept asking Nathaniel to take the cover off the pool and Nathaniel kept saying no all I hear is I want mommy!! I started cracking up I’m like oh this kid knows his mom will say yes lol!! I feel like even with the new behaviors that we are seeing he is still fighting through and working!!  This journey has been amazing truly life changing and his team is just so amazing and I know they make him work just as hard as we do here! We are blessed ❤️

I hope you enjoy the little bit of time you guys get off. I know it’s not enough for all the work that you all do for all of our kids! I am so thankful for all of you!! Thank you again for checking in that really means a lot – more then you will ever know!!! 

Quentin (14 y/o)

Melissa (Mom):

How nice of you to check in! I guess you have not been hearing so much from me because… Quentin has been doing great! It seems like the summer is going well for him. Such a huge difference from when he started at BAC just two years ago! He seems happy and healthy – and no seizures since March! 

At home, Quentin has transitioned to his new after-school com hab worker, Tahirah, without a hitch. (She’s a DOE special ed teacher, so knows what she is doing.) We also finally found a sensory gym that will take his RSA for OT from the DOE – his first OT session is this afternoon! I really hope that works out. In the meantime, he spends his weekends going for walks with Mike (which are more like these epic runs through our neighborhood, led by Quentin) and swimming at the YMCA pool with me. He’ll go back to Ramapo after school ends for just one week, then a week-long family vacation at Rehobeth Beach. Really, he’s having a great summer! 

Mili sent me a really amazing video of him dancing with Arkaidy! Loved that. 

So – no complaints, only good stuff! 

Jonah (9 y/o) just began at BAC in July

Nicki (Mom):

Yes!! We are so happy with how happy Jonah is, and we are so hopeful about his growth and progress with the care and expertise you all provide. We are so happy to know that he is loved there and so grateful for all you do! 

Jed (Dad):

That’s so great to hear! We feel so good about it too. The transition has gone really smooth and we love how engaged you all are with him! Thanks so much for reaching out!