The REConnections Education Center Program
What Makes Our Program Different
At REConnections Education Center, we provide more than academics or therapy alone. Our entire model is built around supporting neurodivergent students in a way that feels safe, individualized, and connected.
1:1 or small group instruction (not to exceed a 1:4 staff-to-student ratio) to ensure every child's educational plan is individualized to their needs.
Our speech and occupational therapists are onsite and an integrated part of the REC team.
Your child not only receives one-on-one therapy each week but will also be continuously supported throughout their school day.
We use a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy to support our students and never expect students to mask or fit a mold.
Academics
We follow a modified version of the Florida State Standards using the Unique Learning System and integrate key elements from the DIRFloortime® and the Montessori philosophy. Lessons are tailored to meet students at their current level with the flexibility to adjust up or down as needed.
Core academic areas include:
Language Arts, Math, Sensory and Motor Skills, Speech and Language Skills, Social Emotional Regulation, and Practical Life Skills
Academic instruction is delivered in small group and individualized formats with consistent support for regulation and engagement woven throughout the day. At REC, emotional growth, independence, and real-world application are just as important as academic progress.
What is the DIRFloortime® Framework?
The DIR® Framework stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-Based. It is a model that helps us understand and support how each child grows and learns.
Developmental: We meet students where they are in their social-emotional development and help them move forward step-by-step, rather than expecting them to meet age-based expectations.
Individual Differences: Every child experiences and processes the world in their own way. We consider sensory processing, communication styles, motor planning, emotional regulation, and more when creating each child's plan.
Relationship-Based: Learning happens best through trusted relationships. We build safety and connection first so that our students feel secure enough to take risks, engage, and grow.
DIRFloortime® is not a set curriculum—it's a way of seeing and supporting the whole child. It gives our team the foundation to create a personalized, compassionate, and truly supportive educational experience.
Related Services That Go Beyond Pull-Out
Speech & Occupational Therapy
We don’t contract out therapy services. Our speech and occupational therapists are full members of the REConnections Education Center team. That means your child sees the same therapists every week—and those therapists are part of daily classroom planning and collaboration.
Therapy is never one-size-fits-all. Every session is tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and developmental level.
Every student receives:
One hour/week of individual speech therapy
One hour/week of individual occupational therapy
Our therapists are highly trained in:
DIRFloortime®
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC)
Sensory integration and reflex integration
Play-based therapy models
Emotional regulation and social communication support
What therapy looks like in our day:
Therapy doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s infused into everything we do.
Teachers use therapist-recommended strategies in the classroom
Sensory supports and movement breaks are built into the daily routine
AAC devices are supported and used throughout the school day
Therapists consult regularly with educators to adjust goals and techniques
Activities like snack, lunch, and playtime are seen as opportunities for building communication, regulation, and independence
We use both push-in and pull-out models to ensure students get what they need in the right setting. Therapy goals are supported all day long, not just during sessions.
Common Questions About the Therapy Services
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Our team observes and evaluates each student during the first 6–8 weeks of the school year. Therapy goals are developed based on how your child communicates, regulates, and processes sensory input. Education goals are based on your child’s academic readiness and strengths.
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Therapists and educators create a shared plan, then provide it to caregivers for feedback. Families are encouraged to request additions such as toileting or other life skills that are important to home success.
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Therapists work one-on-one with your child during weekly sessions and also support them in the classroom with strategies, accommodations, and modifications needed for success and confidence.
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Yes. Teachers use therapy-informed strategies throughout the day, including sensory breaks, AAC integration, movement-based learning, and more.
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All students receive guaranteed one-on-one sessions weekly for both speech and occupational therapy. Additional group or classroom-based support is provided as needed.
A Typical Day at REConnections Education Center
Every student’s schedule is individualized, but our daily flow supports structure, flexibility, and regulation.
Arrival & Unpack
Students unpack their belongings to encourage independence and readiness.
Morning Meeting
Includes movement, stretching, stories, and a preview of the day. A calm, predictable start helps with regulation.
Academics & Therapy
Small group or individualized instruction in core subjects, supported by speech and OT strategies. Therapy sessions happen during this time as well.
Snack & Lunch
Staff and students sit together to encourage conversation, independence, and social development. Students prepare and clean up their own meals with support.
Floortime
Students work with a Floortime Player to practice regulation, engagement, and problem-solving in a playful, student-led way.
Movement & Sensory Play
Frequent breaks in our sensory gym to help students recharge, move, and regulate.
Specials
Art, music, movement, and physical education are offered weekly.
REConnections Education Center Admissions Process
STEP ONE:
Schedule a caregiver-only tour.
STEP TWO:
Schedule a 2-day trial visit for your child.
STEP THREE:
Our team determines if REC is a fit.
STEP FOUR:
If accepted, enrollment or waitlist placement.
Safety & Security
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our space is thoughtfully designed to ensure student protection and give caregivers peace of mind.
Key safety features include:
Double-layer door system to prevent access out of the building
Locked exterior doors with a doorbell entry
Surveillance cameras in classrooms, hallways, and the sensory gym
An open-door policy for caregiver observation at any time
All staff and volunteers must pass fingerprinting and Level 2 background checks
We welcome caregiver questions and concerns at any time, and we believe in full transparency when it comes to your child’s care and education.