Applied Behavior Analysis Program for pre-k autistic children to move locations

March 27--Tweet

CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County Applied Behavior Analysis Program for pre-kindergarten children with autism is moving locations.

The special educational program designed to meet the needs of students diagnosed with autism is currently housed at Potsdam Central School, but due to a lack of space at the school, the location will be changed to Canton Central School.

The Canton Central School Board of Education voted March 16 to approve rental space for the BOCES-operated program.

"They literally have no more available classrooms and may need to utilize some of the spaces we currently occupy," said Thomas R. Burns, district superintendent of St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.

Mr. Burns said the new location will be central and easier to access for participating students in south and west St. Lawrence County, like Hammond and Morristown.

"Relocation of some or all of the ABA classrooms to Canton has the added benefit of not only relieving the space issues in Potsdam but provides a more central location, especially for schools in outlying parts of the county."

At this time, only the pre-kindergarten program, which has eight students enrolled, is being relocated to Canton Central School. The program will be housed in an available classroom in Canton'sJ.M. McKenney Middle School.

"The program has grown over the last several years to meet the increasing needs of children across the north country," said BOCES Special Education Director Renee J. Langtry-Green.

The rental agreement with Canton Central School will initially be for one year, with the potential for a longer term to follow. Ms. Langtry-Green said St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES has rental agreements with all districts that host BOCES programs.

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