The Structured Teaching for Autistic and Communications Delayed Kids program provides a continuum of educational services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. The STACK program is based on the principles of the TEACCH model from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and provides a structured learning environment that recognizes differences in rate and nature of development within and among children with ASD.
The STACK program is comprised of classes for students, ages kindergarten through high school. Classes are located in public school buildings allowing for access to general education curriculum, opportunities for peer interactions and a more fluent transition between the continuum of program options.
Strategies used in STACK classrooms are designed to decrease the behavioral challenges often observed when working with students with autism. STACK advocates the use of visually-cued instruction to facilitate organization and independence and infuses other effective teaching methods such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Direct Instruction and Applied Behavioral Analysis, into the program. STACK classrooms use both individual and group instruction to increase and generalize mastered independent skills.
Students demonstrating the ability to succeed in the general education learning environment are included into general education classroom with support by a team of specialists.
STACK classrooms are staffed with a team of highly skilled and licensed/certified staff including a teacher, paraprofessional and related service personnel who specialize in the delivery of educational services for students with ASD. The staff strive to work collaboratively with families and district personnel to meet the unique needs of each child.
Students in the STACK program benefit from small group instruction in a highly specialized learning environment as well as the opportunity to receive other related services on an individual basis.