Autistic Support Services
The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit offers school-age Autistic Support classrooms in districts across the county for students from Kindergarten through age 21. Our Autistic Support classroom programs utilize a whole child approach to learning by focusing simultaneously on academics, communication skills, behavior management, functional life and workplace skills, and related services needs to prepare our students for the post-secondary world.Â
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Elementary
An Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classroom is available at the elementary level for children in grades K-2. This program utilizes evidence-based practices such as The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to build a communication and academic plan for students. All elementary Autistic Support classrooms are also supported by behavior consultants, related service providers, a social worker, and classroom assistants.
Competent Learner Model (CLM): Elementary
A Competent Learner Model (CLM) classroom is available at the elementary level for children in grades 3-6. This program offers an intensive, individualized teaching program designed to provide a high level of structure in the learning environment so that children acquire the competencies necessary to be successful across learning environments. All elementary Autistic Support classrooms are also supported by behavior consultants, related service providers, a social worker, and classroom assistants.
Secondary Classrooms
Autistic Support at the secondary level has a strong focus on both transitional and academic skills in grades 7-12+. While students continue to participate in academic classes and work on IEP goals at this level, transition planning begins by the year students turn 14 years of age. Students now focus on skills needed to support their individual plan of post-secondary education, employment, and independent living skills. Community based instruction with related services support students in generalizing skills into the community multiple times per school year. Many students also participate in half or full day work programs with support later into their educational experiences. Our secondary programs can support students through age 21 in collaboration with the MCIU’s Secondary Transition Program. Secondary Autistic Support classrooms are supported by behavior consultants, related service providers, a social worker, an adapted PE teacher, and classroom assistants.
Extended School Year
MCIU will continue to operate certain extended school year (ESY)Â classrooms, as well as coordinate the placement of students at ESY approved private school classrooms.
Intensive Autistic Support Classroom at MCIU Early Learning Academy
The Intensive Autistic Support program is a school-based treatment program designed for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder that has behavioral, social, and communication deficits that cannot be met in a traditional school setting.   READ MORE
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Dan Currie
Assistant Director, Office of Student Services
dcurrie@mciu.org
Office: 610-755-9366
Dan Currie has over 20 years as a special education professional, as both a teacher and special education administrator in Montgomery County. Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Cabrini University, completed his Masters in Education from Penn State. He is currently working on his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. He has also served as adjunct professor at Cabrini University in the teacher preparation program.
Mr. Currie has spent his entire career in Montgomery County has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of supports and services available for students. He has also developed a strong expertise in special education regulations and data systems. Over his tenure, his passion has been supporting students with low incidence disabilities. The most complex learners deserve the most coordinated and systematic programming. Â
Social Communications Classroom
Social Communication classrooms are available at the elementary level for children in grades K-4. This program focuses on core academics and the use of language in social contexts. This program encompasses social interaction, social cognition, pragmatics and language processing as dually instructed by a classroom teacher and Speech and Language Pathologist.
All elementary Autistic Support classrooms are also supported by behavior consultants, related service providers, a social worker, and classroom assistants.