HAPPY OAK ABA CENTRE
My vision is to create a space in Vancouver that delivers the best early intervention in the form of applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support for children with autism, developmental delays, and challenging behaviour - or as I like to say “mis-interpreted behaviours”. We provide support for many neurodivergent learners and are not limited to those on the autism spectrum.
Our centre uses behaviour analytic principles to address and teach functional communication, play and social skills, and daily self help skills. Each child's program is individualized and guided by experienced professionals in applied behaviour analysis.
Kids need the right environment and a strong foundation to grow and flourish. I strongly believe in ABA and I strongly believe in physical activity. This is why my centre will deliver best practice early intervention while ensuring plenty of fun gross motor and fine motor play in both our indoor and our soon to come outdoor space.
Having opened a centre in Melbourne, Australia in 2013 - the first of its kind in the state of Victoria - I saw firsthand how such a learning environment can foster connection and growth in each early learner.
I invite you to read more below on our programming and intake process.
Sincerely,
Elyssa McKee
M.Ed, Special Education, BCBA
Behaviour Analyst and Clinical Director
Happy Oak Behavioural Consulting
THE PROGRAMS
Our centre is tailored to families and children requiring behavioural support in the following areas:
Intensive early intervention (e.g., play and communication skills development)
Language and communication
Social skills and relationship development
Self-help and self-management
Reduction of difficult behaviours including but not limited to self-injurious behaviours
Gross and fine motor skill development
Social skills and group programs
For every program, we work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that you are part of the planning and development of your child’s program. Parent workshops and training are also part of our programs.
early intervention programs (under 6 kids)
Three levels of programming are offered to suit families and kiddos’ needs based on the number of recommended hours after assessments and programs have been developed by a Happy Oak consultant:
Acorns
Fully centre-based
6-15 hours per week, consisting of up to 10 hours of 1:1 intervention and up to 5 hours of group intervention conducted by your assigned behavioural interventionists (BIs)
4-6 hours of monthly consultation with our clinical behaviour analyst and your assigned program manager.
Possible consultation with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist
Saplings
Centre-based, with flexible hours
Minimum of 6 hours per week consisting primarily of 1:1 intervention conducted by your assigned behavioural interventionists with the possibility of 2:2 social interactions and play with peers
Ongoing supervision provided by your program manager
2-4 hours of monthly consultation with our clinical behaviour analyst and your program manager.
Possible consultation with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist
Roots
Home based program, with flexible hours
Consultation with your assigned behaviour analyst and your program manager
Ongoing supervision provided by your program manager
1:1 ABA sessions with a BI in your home
social skills and group programs (all ages)
We have a large space on our top floor which allows us to host a variety of group programs. All of our groups have been designed by our behaviour analysts and program managers. We have carefully selected and crafted goals which will be carried out by a program leader and 1-3 supporting behavioural interventionists. Here is a list of our current social skills and group programs but stay tuned as we have several in the making:
Yoga (ages 3-5 & 6+)
Acting (ages 5-7 & 8-12)
Comic book writing (ages 6-8)
Parent and tot (18mo - 5 yr olds)
For more details about each specific program please see our Services tab and scroll to Groups!
THE STAFF
All programs will be guided by our in-house board certified behaviour analyst (BCBA) and accompanying program managers. A team of staff with a range of experience will work with your child throughout the program including experts in the fields of physiotherapy and occupational therapy when needed.
Furthermore, we will work closely with outside supports such as certified speech and language pathologists, when needed, to provide kids with well rounded programming.
THE SPACE
This coming spring Happy Oak will feature an outdoor play area for learning, guided exercise, sensory exploration and of course, fun!
Every child will have access to it during their sessions and our staff will structure their sessions to include physical activity with early intensive intervention.
We currently have separate rooms for each child during their 1:1 intervention to ensure social distancing and optimal learning without distractions.
The centre also features an open “play or social” area with ample space to ensure two meter social distancing during interactions with peers during the pandemic.
As we all learn to work within the ‘new normal,’ our center places safety and hygiene as a priority.
This includes:
Staying in contact with and following all guidelines from provincial health officials
Limiting the amount of people in our facility at one time
Masks worn by all staff
Cleaning of toys and equipment after each use
Rotational use of toys
Weekly third-party deep cleaning of facility
“
I’m not only a behaviour analyst (see bio here), but also a mom to two beautiful little girls. I believe that daily exercise and fresh air are critical - when my girls get this, I find they communicate, play and sleep better! Therefore my aim is for kids at Happy Oak to get physical activity right alongside their learning time.
”
- Elyssa McKee
SIGN UP TO LEARN MORE and book an information session
We are currently accepting intakes for our early intervention centre based programming! Please sign up below for an information session and chat with our clinical director.