Go BIG. Change Lives.
This article was originally published in 2024.
Step by Step: How BIG Prepares Children for School Success
At Behavioral Intervention Group (BIG), every child's journey is met with care and intention. BIG's tiered system is designed to support kids right where they are, helping them build confidence, learn new skills, and take steady steps toward long-term success.
Clinical Director Lanie Hano shares how each stage encourages growth, independence, and readiness for a traditional classroom.
Tier One: One-on-One Support
Every child begins in a one-on-one setting. Here, individualized attention allows therapists to focus on communication, social, and daily living skills. This strong foundation helps children gain confidence before entering group environments.
Tier Two: The Hybrid Room
When children reach certain milestones-such as using language (verbal or with an AAC device), recognizing social cues, and demonstrating observational learning -they move into the hybrid room. This environment balances one-on-one support with small group learning, providing a safe space for practicing peer interaction and group readiness skills.
Tier Three: Developmental Pre-K
The ultimate goal is the developmental pre-K classroom, where children learn in a group setting with fewer supports, alongside peer models. This classroom mirrors a traditional preschool, with circle time, centers, and small group lessons tied to Louisiana standards.
With ages three to four in this setting, children practice navigating real classroom routines and expectations.
What makes BIG especially unique, Hano notes, is the inclusion of typically developing peer models throughout a child's ABA experience at BIG. The increasing facilitated interactions between the children create a natural learning environment that helps children thrive. Many graduates of the program successfully transition into public schools without additional support, something Hano calls "a huge benefit of coming to BIG."
To learn more, visit Behavioral Intervention Group at big-br.com, or call (225) 757-8002.
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