Managing your child’s educational journey in Nashville can be both exciting and challenging, especially when your child has unique needs that require additional support. Both Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and Ascend Autism are here to partner with you, providing a range of services to help your child thrive.
Special Education Services in Metro Nashville Public Schools
Metro Nashville Public Schools offers a robust Exceptional Education program to ensure students with autism receive the support they need. Services include Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and access to special education staff like school psychologists, speech therapists, and special education teachers. The goal is to meet each child’s needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE), allowing students to learn alongside their peers wherever possible.
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
MNPS uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to provide students with tailored interventions based on their unique needs. This model ensures all children receive the appropriate level of support, ranging from general classroom assistance to specialized interventions for more intensive needs. This layered approach helps educators identify the right level of intervention for each student’s abilities and challenges.
Accessing Special Education Resources
MNPS performs a countywide Child Find program, part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This program aims to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 who may need early intervention or special education services. Screenings are conducted for preschool and school-aged children, and referrals can come from school personnel, family members, or community professionals.
If your child is enrolled in Metro Nashville Public Schools, report your concerns to their teacher or principal to discuss the next steps of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) process.
- If your child is under the age of 2.5, you can contact the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) at (615) 904-3636.
- For children aged three to five who are not yet in school, residents of Davidson County should call the Early Childhood Office at (615) 687-4551.
- If your child is home-schooled or attending a private school in Nashville, contact the principal of your zoned school for assistance.
Organizations like The Arc Tennessee also provide valuable advocacy and guidance to help families navigate the educational system in Tennessee.
Families are also encouraged to evaluate Ascend Autism’s center-based ABA services, which can provide more individualized and consistent support. State and school-based options often face challenges such as limited funding, large caseloads, or long waitlists, making Ascend an effective alternative. Ascend Autism offers individualized ABA therapy via center-based half-day and full-day services specifically designed to prepare young children (aged 2–5) for mainstream school environments.
Why Ascend Autism’s Center-Based Services Are a Better Choice for Young Learners
Ascend Autism provides specialized center-based ABA services near Nashville that address gaps often seen in MNPS and TEIS programs. While school and state programs are valuable, they can sometimes lack the resources or individualized care that certain children need.
Ascend Autism offers a structured, enriching environment that provides children with focused, consistent support essential for their development. As a result, families often find that our services provide a more effective pathway than traditional preschool, pre-K, or even kindergarten programs.
Aiming for Consistent Progress
To foster consistency, Ascend Autism collaborates with school IEP teams for families combining our half-day center programs with school-based services. This partnership means Ascend’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and IEP team members can align goals to support your child’s learning. Ascend serves as the primary learning environment for families in our full-day programs. We provide a structured setting for children to thrive and prepare for mainstream school.
After-School Programs That Build on School Success
Ascend Autism offers after-school programs tailored to each child’s developmental needs, including social skills training and behavioral interventions. These programs focus on areas often not fully covered during the school day, giving children additional practice in skills like communication, adaptive behavior, and peer interaction.
Learn more about our autism support services in Nashville.
IEPs, 504s, and Advocating for Your Child
In Tennessee, parents play a crucial role in the IEP process. You have the right to participate in IEP meetings, request additional assessments, and advocate for accommodations to help your child succeed. Being well-informed about your rights is the first step in ensuring your child receives appropriate support.
To effectively prepare for an IEP or 504 meeting, gather relevant documentation on your child’s progress, develop a student profile that highlights their strengths and challenges, and list any specific questions you have for the school staff. This preparation helps make the most of your time during meetings and ensures your child’s needs are thoroughly discussed.
Open and regular communication with teachers is vital to advocating effectively for your child. Consider scheduling regular check-ins to discuss your child’s progress and areas of concern. Showing appreciation for the efforts of educators helps foster a collaborative atmosphere, which ultimately benefits your child’s learning experience.
Ascend Autism’s Commitment to Families
Ascend Autism’s center-based programs provide a structured, school-like environment for children aged 2–5, offering an effective alternative to traditional preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten. Our commitment extends to empowering parents through coaching sessions to equip families with practical tools for supporting their child’s progress outside of therapy.
Every aspect of our program is designed to nurture and inspire growth, ensuring children feel supported and confident as they build the skills needed to thrive in mainstream school settings. By choosing Ascend Autism, families gain a trusted partner dedicated to helping their child succeed.
