Education Support
Our Education Support programs are designed to empower neurodiverse youth through tailored services and community integration. From the gardening-based Community Cultivation program, which offers Extended School Year services to prevent summer regression, to the Strides transition program that teaches life skills in real-world settings, we provide essential support for students aged 12-21. Additionally, we offer behavior consultation and educator training to enhance the educational experience for neurodivergent students in partnership with local school districts. Explore how our programs can support your child’s growth and independence.
Community Cultivation
In partnership with the Steamboat Springs School District and the Hayden School District, this gardening-based program provides youth aged 12-21 Extended School Year services designed to limit their regression over the summer months. In addition to providing social and educational opportunities, Community Cultivation helps provide a form of childcare for children with higher support needs.
For the summer of 2024, Community Cultivation is a half-day program Mondays and Wednesdays.
How can my child participate?
For children who have been approved by district staff for Extended School Year services,
Community Cultivation is an optional program. Please ask your case manager for more information.
If your child is not approved for ESY or is already using their ESY hours elsewhere, they can still join Community Cultivation for a fee of $35/day*.
*This is not a drop-in service. Arrangements must be made in advance.
How to get started
Contact your school district case manager.
Strides
This community-based transition program for public school students aged 18-21 teaches skills for independence, such as riding the bus, grocery shopping and cooking a meal, how to live in a dorm [link to Joseph’s story], or how to find a job [link to Colton’s story?].
Unlike traditional classroom-based transition services, Strides teaches youth how to be a part of their community by being IN their community.
The program is tailored to fit an individual’s needs and unique goals. Strides is usually combined with our work-readiness program.
Strides is currently being offered in the Steamboat Springs School and Hayden School Districts.
How can my child participate?
If your child is eligible for transition services, you have options. Ask your case manager about YVAP’s Strides program.
How to get started
Contact your school district case manager.
Joseph’s Story
Learn how the Colorado Mountain College (CMC) dormitory is playing a crucial role in helping a Yampa Valley Autism Strides student transition to independent living. This innovative program provides a safe and supportive environment where students can develop essential life skills, fostering independence and confidence. The collaboration between CMC and Yampa Valley Autism highlights the importance of community partnerships in empowering neurodiverse individuals to achieve their personal goals and lead fulfilling lives.
To read more about this inspiring initiative, visit the full article here.
Behavior Consultation & Educator Training
Yampa Valley Autism works with all local school districts and the Northwest Colorado Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) to train special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers on behavior issues and strategies for working with neurodivergent students.
YVAP offers staff and educator training outside Routt and Moffat counties. For more information, please contact us.
How to get started
For more information on the training and services offered, please contact us for more information.