Why is the UAH RISE Program Unique? Inclusiveness The UAH RISE Program Classes strive to maintain a 50:50 ratio of children with and without special needs, creating the optimum learning culture for all young children, although the ratio may deviate somewhat from 50:50 depending on the applicant pool. The success of this ratio is well documented and RISE School Classrooms are considered "high quality" learning environments for all young children. Personnel The teachers in the RISE Program preschool age classes have earned degrees or teaching certificates in one of the following areas: Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education. Teacher Assistants have earned a Child Development Associate credential, have completed college courses specific to child development and/or early childhood education, or hold an Associate degree in a relevant field. Several Teacher Assistants have Bachelors Degrees. This program provides pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services to enrolled children. Teacher/Child Ratio The classrooms maintain a low teacher-child ratio. This is done to ensure that as many learning opportunities as possible are provided. We maintain recommended guidelines provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Integrated Therapy The UAH RISE Program Classes offer occupational, physical, and speech therapies using an integrated service-delivery model. Therapies are provided in the classroom and are embedded into the daily routine to promote the practice of skills throughout the day. Therapists confer with parents and the teacher to discuss recommendations and make referrals for additional therapy services as appropriate. The UAH Early Learning Center welcomes therapists from Early Intervention into our classrooms.
