At any age, we can all learn from the positive examples set by those around us. This is especially true for children on the spectrum, and is most effective when a child’s peers set the example. The concept is called peer modeling.
Peer modeling is when a child shows good social behaviors, and is interested in teaching those behaviors to another child. In the classroom, when a typical child talks, plays and helps teachers in a positive way, a child on the spectrum will likely do it too.
Leanna Hazelwood is an intervention specialist in the preschool room at TLS Central. She and her co-teacher, Jen Headlee, use peer modeling in their classroom for their three to four year old students.
She said the students all learn together in the same classroom, get the same therapies, and engage together.
“The peers are there to help students build social skills and set an example,” Leanna says.
Peer models at TLS are usually siblings of students on the spectrum, or are typical children of TLS’s staff members. They are enrolled in the school for the year, and learn and grow right along side children on the spectrum.
Leanna said the benefits for children on the spectrum are many. By playing with and watching the peer models, they gain social skills and learn how to share and take turns. They also learn how to console each other and apologize.
It can sometimes be hard for autistic children to make friends. Since many friends are made at school, peer models also help by offering understanding and friendship.
While there is no formal training to be a peer model at TLS, the children learn through situations that come up in the classroom. The teachers use real life situations as teaching moments, and the peer models quickly understand and accept different abilities.
Leanna said that parents have been very happy with the results of the peer modeling program.
“Having my daughter be a peer model at TLS was easily the best educational decision that I’ve ever made on her behalf,” said Allyson Davy, whose daughter is now in second grade. “She became more confident and more empathetic. Peer modeling taught her how to be an even better friend to everyone. Great experience, great staff and great kiddos!”
Peer modeling occurs throughout the TLS locations, and in various age groups. TLS school hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Respite options are available for working parents.
TLS offers all of its students a quality curriculum with affordable tuition fees. Consistent with this belief, TLS’s peer modeling tuition fees are considerably less than those offered by area preschools and daycares. Additionally, discounts are available for TLS staff members.
The 2015-2016 tuition fees are as follows:
Full Time: $200 per month
Part Time: $100 per month (for students who attend Olentangy Local Schools 2-3 days per week)
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the peer modeling program at TLS, please contact us at 614-844-5433.