School Readiness Program
The first day of school asks a lot of a young child. The School Readiness Program at RISE Pediatric Therapies (RPT) provides individualized, 1:1 ABA therapy for children ages 2 to 6 in a structured environment designed to simulate many of the routines and experiences children encounter in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Offered in partnership with Advanced Autism Center for Treatment (AACT) at our Mesa and Surprise clinics, it helps neurodivergent children start school with skills they have already practiced. Contact us or call (480) 295-4925 to learn more.
What Is the School Readiness Program?
Every child receives individualized ABA therapy based on their unique needs and goals, while also having opportunities to practice skills alongside peers through structured group activities and naturally occurring social interactions. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs the plan, and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) delivers it one-on-one.
The goal is not simply to teach your child how to “sit at a desk.” It is to help your child develop the communication, social, behavioral, and independence skills that support successful participation in school and everyday life.
Skills Your Child Practices Throughout the Day
Depending on your child’s goals, a day may include practice with:
Following Classroom Routines and Directions
Transitioning Between Activities
Circle Time and Small-Group Participation
Attending and Responding During Structured Activities
Communicating Wants, Needs, and Ideas
Waiting, Sharing, and Taking Turns
Playing and Interacting With Peers
Completing Age-Appropriate Tasks Independently
Self-Help and Daily Living Skills
Generalizing Skills Across People, Activities, and Settings
How the Program Works in Mesa & Surprise
The program will be offered Monday to Friday from 8am to 5 pm. Children will be scheduled in for 4, 6, or 8-hour days, depending on the results of the initial ABA evaluation and their specific needs.
Individualized 1:1 ABA Therapy
An RBT works directly with your child under BCBA supervision, using positive reinforcement to teach each skill in small steps and adjusting the plan as your child progresses.
Structured Group Activities
Circle time, small-group lessons, snack, and free play let your child practice classroom skills with peers while their therapist is right beside them to prompt and support.
Classroom-Style Routines
Arrival, clean-up, lining up, bathroom breaks, and transitions follow a predictable schedule, so school routines already feel familiar.
Parent and Caregiver Partnership
You meet regularly with your child’s BCBA to review progress and learn the strategies used in the program so skills carry over at home.
Transition Planning
As school approaches, the team helps you identify what your child still needs to practice and, with your permission, shares helpful information with future teachers. Part of the program is the intention to transition children to a school setting, both with and without support in the school. This will be based on the child’s progress in the program. Some children may have an RBT go to the school with them initially when transitioning while some may transition to school without the need of RBT support.
Who Is the Program For?
We serve children ages 2 to 6, including toddlers moving on from early intervention (AzEIP), preschoolers who need more practice with group routines, and children preparing for kindergarten. In Arizona, children may start kindergarten if they turn five before September 1, so many families begin a year or two ahead. You do not need a diagnosis to ask whether the program is a fit. However, the child will need a diagnosis that qualifies them for ABA services in order for insurance to pay for the program.
Other Services Offered Through RISE Pediatric Therapies
Many children also receive complementary therapies such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy through our Therapy for Developmental Disabilities (TDD) clinics.
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Why Choose Us
Compassionate, family-oriented care.
Person-focused programs led by your child’s coordinated care team and designed alongside family and caregivers.
Exceptional caregiver and parent coaching for the best outcomes for your child.
In-home, in-community, and in-office services with flexible scheduling.
School Readiness Support for Families in Mesa, Surprise & Beyond
RISE Pediatric Therapies is here to help your child start school feeling confident and capable. Our School Readiness Program is offered at our Mesa and Surprise clinics for families across the East Valley and West Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, and Phoenix. We are in-network with several insurance providers, including AHCCCS plans, and accept private pay. Contact us at (480) 295-4925 or get started now.