Classes, Outings and Support Groups

Blue classes provide:

1. A high level of support
2. Simple one step directions and/or utilize visual supports
3. Space for participants who require a 1:1 caregiver in class
4. Opportunities for physical prompting or assistance
5. Consistency with activities and routines
6. Frequent use of visual schedules/supports
7. Flexibility in participation - allowing for vocalizations, movement, or other sensory accommodations in the class (classes can be loud and active)
8. Flexibility for different types on engagement in class activities
9. Encouragement of individual engagement through simple turn-taking 

Yellow classes provide:

1. A moderate level of support
2. 1-2 step verbal instructions with or without visual supports
3. Prompting to initiate basic communication and response
4. A class schedule
5. Help from instructors and classroom assistants to break skills into smaller parts
6. Potential for occasional vocalizations, movement, or other sensory accommodations in the class

Red classes provide:

1. A minimal level of support and the facilitation of independent engagement
2. Verbal or written instructions with minimal prompting
3. Multiple activities that may be worked on or finished within one class
4. Opportunities for students to independently initiate tasks in a class setting
5. Options for group conversations about class-related topics
6. Encouragement of independent use of coping skills (e.g. taking breaks, using fidgets, going for a walk, etc.)
7. Written instructions or activities that involve reading/writing

Gray Classes provide:

1. Primary focus on a topic of interest (e.g. music, art, etc.)
2. Support for all students to engage around a common topic of interest. Different supports can be included to assist all students' meaningful participation in the class.
3. Different activities to suit a participant’s desired engagement style:
   
   1. For example, a class activity where students play a game together, each participant can choose the way they are involved. This may be playing, watching, playing with assistance, or sitting together with the class and doing a different but related activity, e.g., coloring a picture about the class topic.
   2. For example, in movement-based classes, some students will participate by doing the routines and exercises together with the instructor, others may participate using modified movements, observation, or by assisting in encouraging their peers and helping with equipment. Some students may participate by having Volunteers or Classroom Assistants' model or demonstrate movements one on one.

We keep a staffing ratio of 1 staff member to 4 participants in each class and outing. Alyssa Burnett Center staff cannot give participants 1-on-1 support. Based on level of need and behaviors, staff may decide during the intake process that participants need to have a 1-on-1 aide or caregiver come to classes and outings with them.

Another option is that we may ask a caregiver or family member to come to some classes to help our staff decide the best approach. Over time, we may talk with you and your family about having either more or less caregiver support based on your needs and goals.

During the intake process, we ask about challenging behaviors so we can recommend classes that best fit you. We do not discriminate based on any past or current behavior or aggression, but our staffing ratio of 1 staff member to 4 participants is not a good match for everyone. We may request that you have additional caregiver support.

If you have a diagnosis or a behavior that would be of concern (such as severely disruptive behaviors or recreational drug use), talk openly about it with a staff member during your intake process. We hope to help all families find the best possible resources. Please call 425-488-6173 or email us to talk about any concerns.

We may require that you come with a caregiver who provides 1-on-1 support if you:

• Need help with going to the bathroom or taking medicine
• Have challenging behaviors that may pose a risk of harm to self, others or property
• Have a history of running away or wandering off
• Need someone else’s hands to help complete a movement

At any time, we may ask you to start bringing a caregiver who provides 1-on-1 support for challenging behaviors or needs that we cannot meet with our current staffing level.

To make sure participants gain the most from classes, we expect caregivers to review, sign and follow our Caregiver Code of Conduct (PDF).

Our classes are designed to build on skills learned each week and to promote social connections among a set group of peers. To get the full benefit, it is important for you to come to class as often as you can. Please read our attendance policy.