Trauma-Assumed, Relationship-Centered Approach

Our teaching philosophy begins with safety and trust. We recognize that behavior is communication, and progress happens when students feel understood and supported. Every classroom and therapy space is designed to reduce triggers, encourage connection, and create opportunities for students to experience success.

Our team practices trauma-assumed care – meaning we assume that all learners have unique life experiences that shape how they respond to their environment. We respond with compassion, consistency, and evidence-based strategies that help students regain a sense of control and confidence.

Interdisciplinary Education and Therapy

Students at Handprints Academy benefit from a fully integrated team that includes:

• Licensed Special Education Teachers who lead instruction aligned to each child’s IEP.

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who embed Applied Behavior Analysis strategies to teach new skills and reduce barriers to learning.

• Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists who collaborate with classroom teams to address communication, motor, sensory, and adaptive skills.

Together, this interdisciplinary model ensures that each student’s learning, therapy, and behavior goals work in harmony – helping them make meaningful progress across all settings.

Individualized Learning in Small, Supportive Classrooms

Our classrooms are intentionally small to allow for individualized instruction, daily collaboration among team members, and responsive support throughout the school day. With a licensed Special Education Teacher and a dedicated 1:1 Instructional Assistant for each student, we ensure that every learner receives consistent guidance and encouragement across academic, social, and emotional goals.  By maintaining low student-to-staff ratios, we create the flexibility needed to adapt in real time and help each child access the curriculum at their own pace.

Each child’s program is guided by their IEP goals and unique learning profile. Academic instruction is paired with evidence-based behavioral and therapeutic strategies so students can access learning in ways that honor their pace, strengths, and needs.

Preparing Students for Their Next Steps

At Handprints Academy, every student’s journey is unique and so are their goals for the future. Our team works closely with families and districts to identify meaningful next steps, whether that means returning to their home school, moving to a less restrictive setting, or continuing to build independence within our program.

Transition planning begins long before a student is ready to move on. Through ongoing assessment, data review, and collaboration across disciplines, we identify the skills, supports, and environments that will help each student succeed beyond our walls. Instruction and therapy sessions are designed to foster independence, self-advocacy, communication, and problem solving – skills that serve as the foundation for lifelong growth!

We celebrate progress at every stage, from small daily victories to major transitions, ensuring that each student leaves Handprints Academy with the confidence, tools, and relationships they need to thrive in their next environment.

For some students, success might look like learning to communicate their needs using an AAC device and rejoining their district classroom with new confidence. For others, it might mean managing transitions with fewer supports, participating in small-group learning, or mastering the skills needed for daily routines at home and in the community. Whatever the goal, our mission remains the same – helping children thrive in a way that honors who they are.