About the Program:
The Rise School is a nonprofit Austin preschool, serving children ages 12 months through 5 years of age, whose mission is to provide the highest quality early childhood education for all children in an inclusive setting, where individualized learning techniques enable every child to achieve their maximum potential.
The Rise program is a nationally recognized early childhood education model with three major goals:
(1) To provide children with a developmentally appropriate curriculum enhanced by individualized services and supports.
(2) To provide family-centered services designed to meet the needs of all children and families.
(3) To prepare children for their next educational environment.
The Rise School of Austin is committed to inclusion and is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education for children of all abilities. Rise educators ground their teaching in a deep understanding of both developmentally appropriate practice and special education research and techniques in order. to tailor a unique preschool experience for each child in our program. At Rise, we believe that a quality preschool experience should be a promise, not a privilege, for all children.
Our inclusive model is based on the following premises:
Best Practices in Early Childhood:
Each aspect of lesson planning and preparation, from monthly units to daily activities, is differentiated, driven by assessment, based in research, and guided by functional objectives that support children in all domains of development.
Universal Access:
Therapy services, specially designed instruction, and curricular adaptations and accommodations are embedded in the daily activities of the classroom and provided within the context of the educational environment using an integrated and collaborative approach.
Individualized Learning:
All children benefit from a low teacher to student ratio, ensuring a school experience tailored to the child. Individual learning plans are designed around goals and outcomes based on the child’s present level of performance and Zone of Proximal Development as well as the family’s concerns, priorities, and resources; the child’s strengths and needs; and expectations of the next environment.
Collaboration and Professional Development:
Coaching and mentorship are key facets of the teaching culture and are fostered through over 30 hours of professional development each year. Each classroom follows a unique co-teaching model, ensuring experienced, highly-qualified teachers in each class.
The School as a Family:
Emphasis is placed on the family as the primary decision-maker in each child’s program. Families receive daily communication and comprehensive reports. Community building events, groups, and learning opportunities are organized throughout the year.