The Aurora School

The Orion Program

The Orion program offers a 1:1 or 1:1.5 staff-to-student ratio for early, intermediate, and advanced learners on an academic or an independent living curriculum. Students on an academic curriculum follow the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning (ABLLS) curriculum, the SRA reading and Distar math curriculums and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) hierarchy. Students on an independent living curriculum focus on communication [either verbally, with sign language, or following the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) protocols]. Staff use Applied Behavior Analysis following the teaching procedures from the work of B.F. Skinner. Orion offers a six-hour and fifteen minute school day. Orion is a year-round (twelve-month) program licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to serve elementary-age students (5-13 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The Orion program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed.

Hourly ABA therapy

This program offers students from 3-13 years old ABA therapy based on each child’s ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning). A child may receive ABA therapy to address the needs outlined in the ABLLS in intensive therapy (IT) or during Natural Environment Teaching (NET), with a 1:1 student/teacher ratio. Children may be either be funded by their LEA (Local Education Agency) or privately:

a) Programs for students placed by their LEA:

(i) include both IEP goals and ABLLS areas of need

(ii) include related services based on the student’s IEP

(iii) include a Case Manager for IEP management

(iv) reports to parents and LEA quarterly

b) Programs for students placed privately:

(i) includes ABLLS assessment, program, and data book

(ii) determines hourly cost based on level of service

(iii) includes related services for an hourly fee

(iv) reports progress to parents quarterly

The Launch Program

The Launch program offers a 1:1 or 1:1.5 staff-to-student ratio utilizing the Applied Behavior Analysis methodology to follow the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning (ABLLS) curriculum. In addition, the Launch program offers SRA reading and Distar math curriculums and follows the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) so students have access to the general education curriculum as appropriate. Launch also uses the ABA methodology to teach an independent living skills curriculum, helping students become independent in self-care. Launch offers a six and one quarter hour school day that may include. Launch is a year-round (12-month) program licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to serve middle-and high-school students (14-22 years old) with the disabilities of autism, developmental delay, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, severe disabilities, speech language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The Launch program also offers related services of Speech and Occupational Therapy as needed.

Music Therapy Program

Aurora offers group and individual music therapy services to both the students of Aurora and to families in the community.

Music therapy can be of benefit to children in numerous ways, including:

Increasing cooperative play & socialization
Increasing control over behavior
Increasing sensory integration
Increasing cognitive development
Increasing communication skills & expressive language
Increasing motor skills & control
Increasing knowledge of activities of daily living
And many other areas depending on client need

Music therapists are concerned with the process of music and are tuned into the responses and changes that a client undergoes during the music process.

For more information on the music therapy program or to request a fee list, please contact Aurora’s board certified music therapist, Ashley Stultz, MT-BC. She can be reached by phone at (540)751-1414 ext. 2 or through email at AuroraMusc@aol.com.

The Pegasus Program