Overview
The Promise Program is a full-day educational program for children who are in the preschool age range,
typically between three and five-years-old. This program incorporates educational services, intensive therapy
and family support for children who demonstrate characteristics related to autism spectrum disorders.
The program goal is to promote language development, social skills and academic knowledge in preparation
for their transition to elementary school.
Theoretical Approach
The Promise Program utilizes Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), which is the only educational approach
that is recommended by the New York State Department of Education as an accepted, evidence-based,
intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. As part of the ABA approach, there is a
strong emphasis on the use of positive behavior supports to promote acquisition of skills and prosocial
behaviors that are appropriate to each child’s developmental level.
Classrooms
There are six Promise Program classrooms with six students in each room. Each classroom is led by a
certified special education teacher, who is supported by one behavior specialist assistant and two
paraprofessional classroom aides. Although the classrooms are non-integrated, opportunities for partial
integration with typically-developing peers are available for some students through our association with
New Discoveries Learning Center. We believe that one of our primary responsibilities to our young
students is to support their formation of positive feelings and expectations for the school environment
in order to promote a smoother transition into kindergarten.
Curriculum
Each student in the Promise Program has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with specific goals that
are addressed through a combination of small group instruction, discrete trial teaching, incidental learning
opportunities, peer modeling and semi-structured free-play time. The curriculum covers a broad range of
educational and developmental domains, including speech/language, cognition, motor skills, socialization,
play/leisure, self-help, emotion regulation and coping, as well as reduction of maladaptive behaviors.
Family Support
Collaboration with families is important and is done on a daily basis. The Promise Program plans many fun
and informative activities throughout the year. Two on-going activities are the Coffee Club and the Autism
Support Group. Coffee Club, which is held on a weekly basis, is a great opportunity to meet new people while
learning about a variety of topics related to autism. The Autism Support Group is held on a monthly basis and
offers a wonderful array of speakers on many different topics of interest. This program also plans family
activities through out the year, such as picnics and holiday gatherings, as well as awareness activities.
Therapies at Promise
The following therapies are available and provided according to each child’s Individualized Education Plan.
Opportunities for social interaction and peer modeling are an inherent component of the therapy services
provided in the Promise Program.
Speech-Language Therapy
Focuses on enhancing overall communication skills which include receptive language, expressive language
and functional communication across settings and educational environments.
Occupational Therapy
Aims to enhance fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, visual motor skills and activities of daily living.
Assessment and treatment of sensory processing dysfunctions are also available through our highly qualified
occupational therapy team.
Physical Therapy
Works to enhance gross motor skills through an analysis of how the child is interacting with his or her
environment; how the child independently moves from place to place, plays and explores the world.
Location
Eiddon and Alice Jones Armory Campus
Carbone Children’s Center
1601 Armory Drive
Utica, NY 13501
For more information or to register your child, please call:
(315) 798-4006 ext. 233 or e-mail: promise@upstatecp.org