For Parents

Prospective Parents:

What services do we provide?

At The Little Tree-Auburn we provide a quality preschool experience that prepares ALL children for kindergarten in a fun, exploratory, yet structured learning environment. Our teachers complete quarterly skill assessments for each child and use the results to build theme-based lesson plans incorporating hands-on learning and structured practice of some skills, if needed (handwriting, language practice, basic math concepts, etc).  Children are also coached by our teachers to be helpers and models for the children with autism spectrum disorders enrolled in our program. This provides an excellent opportunity for them to learn the importance of helping others and helps to develop an understanding and appreciation that all people are unique and have things of value to offer.

As a program of The Learning Tree, Inc., The Little Tree Preschool is also focused on improving the services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. This is achieved by providing intensive, behavioral intervention (also known as ABA/Applied Behavior Analysis) in a setting with typically developing children serving as peer models.

We meet at least monthly with parents to insure they are trained to implement all programming for their child when in home and community settings. If additional supports are needed, we encourage families to hire additional tutors/therapists to work in the home and community with their child to supplement the 30 hours they receive at The Little Tree. We do not have ancillary services available on site, however if you choose to enroll your child in these services we allow providers to deliver services at The Little Tree.

Are services individualized for my child?

All services provided are individualized for each child’s specific learning needs.  Upon enrollment into the program, educational assessments are completed to determine what skill areas are deficits.  Based on these assessments, our teachers develop lessons to teach these skills within the classroom.  At intake and during the first month a child with ASD is enrolled in Little Tree’s program, our clinical team completes skill assessments, preference assessments, maladaptive behavior assessments, and parent questionnaires to assist in development of a comprehensive intervention package that is carefully designed by our clinical team. Based on the assessment findings, we tailor each child’s programming to address his or her skill deficits and behavioral excesses.  Educational evaluations are completed by specialized individuals and an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed for each child determined eligible for special education services to provide a focus for the development of skills and abilities.

All children in our program attend meal times, outside play, and free play with their peers. 

What is the cost for The Little Tree’s preschool program?

Please review the Parent Handbook provided at the link below or contact the Program Director to obtain more details. 

Is the Little Tree a year round preschool program?

Yes, Little Tree is open from 7:45 until 3:00 Monday through Friday. Our closing dates can be found in the Parent Handbook provided at the link below.

How many slots are available at The Little Tree?

Currently, we are licensed by the Department of Human Resources and are approved to house 24 children in our preschool, 12 typically developing children and 12 children with ASD or developmental delay. We have two classrooms that are split by age.

What types of payment are accepted at The Little Tree?

Our BCBA staff members are approved as Tricare providers of ABA services. If you have Tricare insurance and your child is enrolled in the ECHO or DEMO program, we will bill your insurance for our services. All other services are paid for by private pay or by other arrangements made by the family.

Cash, check and money order are accepted for tuition payment. 

For more information contact Leigh Ann Strain at (334) 826-1847 or lstrain@learning-tree.org

For Current Parents:

As a non-profit organization, the preschool depends on parent involvement and fundraising activities to operate. Participation in these activities is needed to increase income from fundraising in order to keep tuition at desired low rates. All parents with children enrolled in the preschool are strongly encouraged to participate in at least two activities during each quarter.

Each quarter you will have the opportunity to sign up for a wide range of activities to participate in and sign in sheets will be located in the entryway of the school. These activities will range from material creation, purchasing of school supplies, volunteering at football and basketball games, and selling fundraising items to name a few. Quarterly parent meetings will be scheduled and at least one parent will need to be in attendance to obtain up to date information.

link to weekly snack menu

link to most recent version parent handbook

link to school calendar

link to Lisa’s newsletter

link to school supply list and classroom wish lists