Early Learning Preschool

The Early Learning Preschool is a nationally accredited program through Cognia, offering an inclusive, early learning experience for children ages 2–6. Our classrooms bring together children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical peers in a supportive, collaborative environment designed to foster growth and learning.

With highly trained staff and a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ELP focuses on developing cognitive, language, social, adaptive, and motor skills through enriched learning and socialization opportunities. Our approach is data-driven and outcomes-based, ensuring strategies align with best practices in early childhood education.

We use a research-based curriculum designed to support overall child development through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences. Our approach emphasizes teacher support and family involvement to create a strong foundation for growth. We offer engaging, structured lessons that make learning academics and social skills enjoyable and practical. Activities help children build confidence in communication, cooperation, and emotional understanding. In addition, we incorporate targeted exercises to strengthen fine motor coordination and early writing abilities, laying the groundwork for academic success and independence.

Classrooms follow an inclusion model, typically consisting of five children with autism and five neurotypical peers, creating a balanced and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Autism spectrum Students in the ELP:

Our instructional approach is a hybrid model that integrates the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with developmentally appropriate early childhood practices (DAP). As a Cognia-accredited program, we incorporate individualized reinforcement systems, systematic teaching strategies, advanced language and social skills training, Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and structured procedures that promote generalization and long-term skill maintenance.

We deliver a comprehensive, research-based curriculum aligned with state standards through the Experience Curriculum.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs each student’s individualized treatment program, while the classroom Lead Teacher develops and implements an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the school setting.

To ensure steady progress, families receive Quarterly Progress Reports, and students participate in ongoing progress monitoring. Annual reassessments use a variety of ABA-based tools, including the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS, and Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires

Our multidisciplinary team—including special educators, BCBAs, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists—works collaboratively to design intervention plans that address both skill acquisition and the reduction of behavior barriers.

Key program components include:

Social Savvy and Skillstreaming to support social skills and executive functioning

Learning Without Tears to enhance fine-motor development and handwriting

Weekly Motor Group classes led by an Occupational Therapist

Monthly Food School sessions with an Occupational Therapist focusing on feeding skills

Bi-weekly dance class through the Birmingham Dance Foundation

Weekly Music Therapy by a licensed music therapist.

We also support families and students through transition services to help ensure a successful move into primary school.

Neurotypical Student in the ELP:

Our instructional approach is a hybrid model that integrates the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with developmentally appropriate early childhood practices (DAP). As a Cognia-accredited program, we deliver a comprehensive, research-based curriculum aligned with state standards through Experience Curriculum. Classroom management and instruction delivery incorporate individualized reinforcement systems, errorless teaching, and language and social skills training to support each child’s growth and success. Children receive individualized support, continuous progress monitoring, quarterly progress reports, and an annual reassessment to track skill development and ensure kindergarten readiness.

Key program components include:

Social Savvy and Skillstreaming to support social skills and executive functioning

Learning Without Tears to enhance fine-motor development and handwriting

Weekly Motor Group classes led by an Occupational Therapist

Monthly Food School sessions with an Occupational Therapist focusing on feeding skills

Bi-weekly dance class through the Birmingham Dance Foundation

Weekly Music Therapy by a licensed music therapist.

Our highly qualified team includes Class A and Class B certified lead teachers in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Collaborative Education. The program targets seven key domains of learning, integrates STEAM-based activities, and promotes daily communication between teachers and families.

All teaching methods are grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), incorporating individualized reinforcement systems, evidence-based prompting procedures, and advanced language and social skills training to support each child’s growth and success.

Testimonials

There's a quote I think describes my feelings about Mitchell's Place. "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person". The diagnosis of Autism threw a challenge to our family to find the best services available for my son Mitchell. Realizing the options were limited, we decided not only to help our son but to help other families as well by opening Mitchell's Place in 2005. The outcomes speak for themselves and we are proud to be a part of the Mitchell's Place Family.

Mitchell's Place has been a blessing to our family. The education and therapy that has been provided to our son and us has made a huge impact that will last a lifetime. All the staff have gone above and beyond to help develop him into the best version of himself.

Our son began Mitchell’s Place in fall of 2021, he started speech and occupational therapy. He began ABA therapy last November in 2022. We are absolutely amazed at the progress and accomplishments he has made and continues to surprise us every week. We have used the words “life changing” because it is absolutely the truth. We are so grateful for all the amazing therapist and staff at Mitchell’s Place. Our son is making his way, and they are providing him with all the tools he needs to succeed.

This place is amazing. It is inclusive & such a positive environment. The staff are so encouraging and happy to see every single person and child that comes in. The progress in the children’s lives after being at Mitchell’s Place is so evident that the people at Mitchell’s Place love what they do and care deeply about the children. Cannot say enough good things about this wonderful place!

We are so thankful to have found Mitchell's Place. My son has thrived in the supportive environment. The staff is all invested in his success and have been such wonderful resources for our family! I can't say enough good things about the program!

I don't often write reviews but I can't say enough good things about this place. It is simply magic. My kids love it! Every day my kids look forward to going to Mitchell's Place. They have helped my kids grow by leaps and bounds. The teachers, staff, and administration are well-educated, experience, loving, caring, and always go the extra mile for the MP kids and families.

Mitchell’s Place is a great and beautiful place filled with love from teachers, directors, staff up front! Everyone there is warm and genuine and way beyond that they help children shine on the spectrum, grow, and learn. We have been so impressed with our son’s growth and progress here!! I could not be more thankful we have this school about 40 minutes from our home!! The children, staff, school- I would give it more than 5 stars truly!!! 100 stars!!