Our Programs
We offer a range of programs and services to help you support your child's growth and development.
From educational resources to personalized coaching and therapy, we're here to help you navigate the journey and unleash your child's unique talents and abilities.
With our support, you can feel confident that you're providing your child with the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive. Let's work together to unlock your child's full potential!
School of Imagination Preschool
STEPS TO SUCCESS
School of Imagination’s preschool classes are arranged in “Steps” to ensure each child receives a comprehensive educational experience. Your child’s placement is based on both their age and developmental level.
“Step 1” is for 2-3 year-olds, “Step 2” is for children ages 3-4 year-olds, and “Step 3” is for 4-5 year-olds.
Your child remains in their “home classroom” for a full school year, and additional support or more challenging work is brought to them. This allows each child to experience a consistent “classroom family” that grows and develops together.
EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS
Academic excellence is a value we hold high at SOI! We have developed superior educational opportunities to encourage a lifelong love of learning! At School of Imagination, we individualize our educational program to meet each students’ unique learning styles. Thanks to our small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratios, each child receives individual attention and instruction. We incorporate research-based programs including “Handwriting Without Tears” and “Zoophonics” within our structured, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
LOW RATIOS -SMALL CLASSES
School of Imagination offers the optimal environment for children to learn! We provide small class sizes to ensure that your child is not lost or overwhelmed. Class sizes range from 11 children in “Step 1” to 15 children in “Step 3”. In order to make sure that your child receives plenty of individualized attention, each class is staffed with a Lead Preschool Teacher and two assistants. Our “classroom family” stays consistent throughout the school year which allows for wonderful relationships to grow and develop!
Therapy
Learn about our services
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Roadmap & Treatment Plan
Incorporating the best treatments (e.g.- ESDM, Hanen, Social Thinking) into personalized online training lessons and roadmaps to guide your next steps. One-on-one online training & intervention sessions with parents and children are led by the program founder, a speech pathologist, a certified ESDM provider*, an educator & parent.
60-Minute Speech & OT Sessions
No matter the type of services, keeping our parents involved is the key to success.
Parent-therapist training begins after 40 minutes of direct therapy with your child.
We discuss strategies at the end of every session.
FLEXIBLE SERVICES
Weekly Appointment Times
Weekly Appointment Times are for children and parents who can consistently attend at the same time and day. On-Demand Appointments are suited when you need more flexibility or would otherwise cancel without being able to make up the appointment.
Virtual and In-Person
Our state-of-the-art facility was designed to focus on child safety, allowing us to implement effective COVID prevention strategies. Additionally, our team has the best technology available and they are skillful in treating children via telehealth.
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School of Imagination's Speech-Language Pathologists are highly qualified professionals with specialized certifications and licenses. Our team consists of California state licensed and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech and Language Pathologists. With their expertise, we provide specific and individualized treatment for a wide range of speech-language disorders, including:
1. Receptive/Expressive Language Delays and Disorders: Our pathologists address difficulties in understanding and using language effectively, tailoring interventions to improve comprehension, vocabulary, and expressive communication skills.
2. Speech Impairment and Delay: We focus on articulation, phonological processes, and motor coordination to help children develop clear and intelligible speech patterns.
3. Auditory Processing Disorders: Our pathologists target auditory processing difficulties, helping children improve their ability to understand and interpret spoken language accurately.
4. Fluency Disorders: We provide strategies and techniques to support children with fluency disorders, including stuttering, helping them achieve smooth and fluent speech patterns.
5. Voice Disorders: Our expertise extends to the treatment of voice disorders, assisting children in developing healthy vocal habits and improving voice quality.
At the School of Imagination, we prioritize an individualized approach for each child, emphasizing their unique strengths and interests. Our Speech-Language Pathologists collaborate closely with family members, teachers, and other paraprofessionals to ensure a comprehensive and integrated support system. This collaborative effort maximizes progress and success for each child we serve.
By choosing our clinic, you can rest assured that your child will receive high-quality, evidence-based intervention from our team of experienced and certified Speech and Language Pathologists. Together, we work towards the common goal of empowering children to communicate effectively and confidently, unlocking their full potential.
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Occupational Therapy is a service which helps children develop the foundations necessary for the many “occupations” of childhood such as learning, playing and socializing with peers, and performing daily self-care tasks. School of Imagination’s highly skilled pediatric occupational therapists provide evaluations, individualized intervention, and consultation in the following areas:
Sensory integration
Behavioral organization and attention
Fine and gross motor skill development
Visual motor integration
Handwriting remediation
Self-care skills
Although a medical diagnosis is not necessary for your child to receive OT services, our occupational therapists see children with varying diagnoses which may include:
Autism
Sensory Processing Disorder
ADD/ADHD
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Our occupational therapy treatment rooms are designed with innovative and cutting edge equipment that will allow your child to succeed in a playful and enriched environment. Over the course of therapy, parents and caregivers are provided with training and education to facilitate their child’s progress in the home and community environments.
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PROGRAM INFORMATION
Sprouts is a time-intensive, short-term, early intervention ABA program for toddlers and preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Generalization with peers and the classroom is an essential program component and happens as often and quickly as possible. We aim to help your child become an independent learner in the classroom setting.
Our programs incorporate research-based interventions from the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). More information
ENTRANCE CRITERIA FOR CHILDREN
Ages 18 months to 5 years.
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a provisional diagnosis.
Deficits with language, social, and behavioral skills that interfere with their quality of life.
Inability to independently participate in a preschool or pre-kindergarten program.
Low risk of aggression or self-injurious behaviors.
Ability to attend consistently throughout the entire program duration.
Without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability.
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- Happy Talkers Early Intervention Class: Our community-based, small-group therapy program for children aged 18 months to 3 years.
- Individualized Therapy Plan: Each child receives an individualized therapy plan that integrates IFSP goals and goals from other therapies (ST, OT, PT, developmental & behavioral therapy).
- Highly Trained Team: Our team consists of 4 educators and a clinical team comprising occupational therapists (OTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
- Fun and Developmentally Appropriate Activities: We encourage overall development through engaging and age-appropriate educational activities.
- Theme-Based Classroom Schedule: Goals are implemented into the daily schedule based on themes, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
- Improved Outcomes: Early intervention has been proven to enhance outcomes for children with developmental delays.
- Developmentally Appropriate Language and Behavioral Skills: Our therapists provide compassionate care to help children learn language and develop various behavioral skills appropriate for their stage of development.
- Transition Support: We assist children who require help transitioning to school-based learning, ensuring a smooth educational journey.
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Breakthrough Based on Cutting-Edge, Evidence-Based Methodologies
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Most Educators for Maximum Support
12 children with 4 Educators
Immersion in TWO Programs:
Academic Preschool Readiness
Social Skills and Friendships
Full-day programming 6 hours per day
Early drop-off and late pick up are available
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Social
Focused social communication practice using evidence-based methodology: Michele Garcia-Winner’s Super Flex®, Listening Program®, Zones of Regulation ® and the Early Start Denver Model®.
Behavior
Individualized strategies for behavior include visual support, sensory breaks, and positive reinforcement programs implemented based on the Early Start Denver Model®.
Play
Daily inclusion with neurotypical peers, fostering appropriate play in a supportive environment. Activities are guided by a highly trained team and based on the Early Start Denver Model®.
Communication
Functional Communication strategies include activities developed by Speech Pathologists and based on a thorough review of each child’s classroom and developmental goals, including the Early Start Denver Model®.
Fine Motor
Fine Motor skills are addressed with activities developed by Occupational Therapists, including a variety of table time activities, art projects, the Handwriting Without Tears® program, and the Early Start Denver Model®.
Gross Motor
Gross Motor skills are addressed with activities developed by Occupational Therapists and the Early Start Denver Model®, utilizing innovative equipment, allowing your child to succeed in a safe, playful, and enriched environment.
Cognitive
Cognitive development is addressed throughout all activities as we break down tasks to engage their ability to listen and follow directions consistently. Utilizing academic activities, table time, and problem-solving goals based on the Early Start Denver Model®.
Understanding
This foundational preschool skill is developed by building your child’s ability to follow directions, answer questions and retell events/stories. Skills and goals are based on the Early Start Denver Model®.
Independence
This foundational preschool skill is developed by creating routines and breaking down tasks while providing individualized support for your child to be ready for kindergarten. Skills and goals are based on the Early Start Denver Model®.
FAQ
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We have many clinicians of varying disciplines, specializations and experience on our Team. All exceed the minimum qualifications for their professional credential.
We match our clinicians’ approach and talents to the child’s goals, needs, and temperament.
Our Clinicians love to learn and are engaged in continuing education and advanced coursework, bringing cutting-edge principles to SOI.
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Therapy sessions are offered Virtually and In-Person and scheduled as weekly recurring appointments. Therapy sessions are broken up into 40-minutes of active therapy, 10-minutes of parent training, and 10-minutes of note-taking and planning for the next session. Our Clinicians create each child’s program specifically based upon your child’s goals and developmental level using activities that are fun and motivating.
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We are happy to work with you to help navigate your family’s insurance plan.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Our clinic is proudly in-network with both Blue Cross and Aetna insurance providers.
SPEECH & OT
Our clinic is in-network with Kaiser Permanente and considered “out-of-network” for all other insurance companies. Contact your insurance company by calling the 1-800 number on the back of your insurance card to determine your out-of-network benefits. The full cost of an hour of therapy at our clinic is $130 per hour.
If you are with Kaiser and already have a referral, please get in touch with us with your child’s Medical Record Number, the name of the PDDO Coordinator that you’re working with, and which type of benefit plan you have (eg, PPO, HMO, Medi-Cal).
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Check with your insurance by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. Therapy is paid on the day of service in full, and in return, you will receive a medical superbill. Submit your medical superbill to insurance, and you will be reimbursed directly. Each reimbursement rate is dependent on your benefits, contact your insurance for those rates.
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A recent evaluation/assessment within the past 6 months and/or a recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are helpful with starting individual therapy services.
If your child has neither, our Family Services Team will gladly discuss the best options to determine the treatment recommendations and therapy goals.
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For the safety of our children, we do not allow walk-in visits. However:
If you are interested in enrolling in the preschool classes, you can learn about joining us for an Open House.
Contact Us, and we will be happy to arrange your visit or answer your questions!
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Therapy schedules change frequently and spots open up quickly. When you complete the online form, you provide your availability for therapy times. You are then added to our Therapy Opportunity List and contacted with our soonest availability. If your therapy availability changes for any reason, please reach out to us so we can update your child’s record.
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Happy Talkers provides formal assessments in the area of Speech-Language by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Fine Motor and Sensory Processing by a licensed Occupational Therapist.
Our Clinicians complete evaluations over a period of 3 sessions both Virtually and In-Person.
The first hour-long session allows the Clinician to get to know your child, understand your concerns, and begin a formal assessment.
The Clinician uses the second hour-long session to complete the formal assessment and offer some basic strategies and resources.
The third session is a phone or Zoom meeting with you to discuss the evaluation results. This may include recommendations for consistent therapy sessions, referrals to further testing and resources and strategies to help your child make progress.
The evaluation results define each child’s strengths and challenges and provide a comprehensive picture of the child’s abilities. Our skilled therapists make recommendations for a treatment plan and long and short-term goals for therapy when needed. We partner with families to provide answers and a roadmap for their child’s optimal development.
“Autism is treatable, but only if it is diagnosed and treated very early. The Happy Talkers is the leader in early screening and diagnosis and early intervention. Happy Talkers really is one-of-a-kind in the nation.”