The Ready for School program was added to the array of services provided by Threshold, Inc. in 1994. Then, a functional assessment of problem behaviors is conducted. Goals are composed of skills that are designed to replace the problem behaviors and to become functionally equivalent to the same. To achieve these goals and objectives, procedures from Applied Behavior Analysis, Direct Instruction, and Precision Teaching are used. Instruction is monitored daily using frequency data plotted on the Standard Celeration Chart, weekly during staff planning meetings, and periodically during observations and consultations provided by Dr. McGreevy and Mr. Cook.
Instruction is conducted until fluency has been achieved.
When fluency in these skills has been maintained for two months, the staff and parents confer and plan the transition to a less restrictive program. Then, the Ready for School staff meets with the staff of the new setting, familiarizes them with the skill repertoire of the child, and demonstrates specific instructional procedures that have been effective. Shortly after the child begins attending the new program, a member of the Ready for School staff conducts a follow-up visit. Then, for an indefinite period of time, the Ready for School staff remains available to answer any questions or conduct additional follow-up visits. Many of the teachers have a bachelor's degree, Florida teacher certification, and specific training in Applied Behavior Analysis, Direct Instruction, and Precision Teaching.