Early Intervention Program
BELLS: Building Early Learner Life Skills
Introducing our new program designed to meet needs of children ages 2-4 years old who benefit from a highly structured environment, have limited interest in interacting with peers, prefer to play alone, and have limited communication skills.
Developed by Dr. Michelle Hintz (psychologist) and Dr. Danyel Hen (BCBA), the BELLS program embodies a powerful integration of evidence-based practices in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the profound insights of developmental psychology.
Each child’s unique program is meticulously tailored to align with their development across critical domains: cognitive, language, motor, sensory, and social-emotional development. This ensures that every aspect of their growth is nurtured and maximized, making it a compelling solution for both parents and therapists seeking comprehensive, individualized support for children’s holistic development.
At its core, BELLS incorporates key principles of ABA, with a dynamic blend of two essential techniques: Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET). NET is a revolutionary instructional method that immerses children in their natural surroundings, aligning seamlessly with their preferences and everyday experiences. DTT, on the other hand, offers a structured approach, systematically deconstructing complex skills into manageable steps, guiding children towards their ultimate goals. In addition, positive behavioral intervention and supports (PBIS) encompasses clear expectations, self-regulation strategies, visual schedules, environmental adaptions, and the power of positive reinforcement.
In addition, music therapy and art therapy interventions are an essential part of the overall daily schedule. The creative arts component of the BELLS program nurtures language development, cultivates social reciprocity, and teaches pre-academic skills, laying a strong foundation for their future academic success and overall growth.
A Smarter RBT Model: Enhancing Care and Progress
At the Cadenza Center, we take a dynamic and client-centered approach to Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) assignments to ensure the highest quality of care for children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Unlike many ABA providers who assign a single RBT to a child for all sessions, we intentionally incorporate changes in staffing for three key reasons:
- Consistency of Care – Our approach helps maintain uninterrupted services even when an RBT is unavailable due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. By familiarizing children with more than one RBT, we ensure that therapy continues seamlessly without unnecessary cancellations, reducing disruption to the child’s progress. All RBTs working with a child follow the same treatment plan under close supervision to maintain consistency and quality.
- Generalization of Skills – A crucial goal of ABA therapy is to help children apply their learned skills across different people and settings. Research supports the importance of generalization in long-term success, and working with multiple RBTs provides children with valuable opportunities to strengthen adaptability and independence. We introduce new team members gradually, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition tailored to each child’s comfort level.
- Supporting Staff Well-Being for Better Care – We recognize that engaged and well-supported therapists provide the best care for children. By distributing cases among multiple RBTs, we create a balanced workload that prevents fatigue and ensures continued enthusiasm and effectiveness in therapy. Additionally, this approach allows our staff to maintain stable work schedules, which contributes to overall job satisfaction and long-term retention of skilled professionals working with your child.
This flexible and proactive staffing model benefits both children and therapists, leading to more effective therapy outcomes and a sustainable work environment. By prioritizing continuity, adaptability, and staff well-being, we ensure that every child at the Cadenza Center receives the best possible care and support.
If you have any questions about our approach, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to discuss how our method enhances your child’s progress in ABA therapy.