Frequently Asked Questions: Giant Steps of St. Louis

Q: What is Giant Steps?
A: Giant Steps is a specialized school and therapy program for children with autism spectrum disorders. Giant Steps is certified to provide autism education by the Missouri and Illinois Departments of Education and approved as an autism therapy provider by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Q: What's different about Giant Steps' approach to autism?

Specialized learning environment
Our priority at Giant Steps is to provide a learning environment that is physically and emotionally assuring for a child with autism. A comfortable environment supports a calm body and a focused mind. That’s why our students have ready access to sensory integration equipment like ball boxes, swings, scooter boards, therapy balls, vibro-acoustics, and more.

Staff Training
All professional and support staff participate in extensive training in therapeutic and educational practices for children with autism.

Teamwork
Teachers, therapists and teaching assistants work as a team to provide an individualized program for each child. Parents participate in the team approach through a daily communication log that travels between home and school with the student.

One-to-one support
The presence of an understanding teaching assistant throughout the day provides a solid base of support and promotes confidence in reaching therapeutic and educational goals.

Q: What therapies does Giant Steps offer?
A: Each student at Giant Steps participates in a comprehensive program of Speech, Occupational and Music therapies provided by licensed therapists. Therapists and academic teachers work as a team to design the best program for each student.

Q: How does Giant Steps teach children with Autism?
A: Students work one-on-one with certified Special Education teachers to acquire essential skills in Math, Communication Arts, Science and Social Studies. Concrete, hands-on teaching activities engage students in learning and help them discover their own unique abilities.Giant Steps students also participate in Social Skills instruction, Art, Physical Education, community field trips, Service Learning projects, Special Olympics and an annual Talent Show.

Q: How do I know if Giant Steps is right for my child?
A: The best way to learn about the program is to come and visit on a school day. To schedule a tour, call (314) 395-7445 or email director at giantsteps-stlouis.org

Q: What is the application process?
A: The first step is an evaluation of your child by Giant Steps’ therapeutic and academic team. You’ll make an appointment to bring your child to Giant Steps to meet with our Occupational, Speech and Music therapists and certified Special Education teachers. Your child will have time to get comfortable and play on the swings, in the ball box, take scooter rides, and so on. Our therapists and teachers will interact with your child using the “Floortime” approach, to follow the child’s lead, engage in play activities and communicate with your child. They will also discuss your child’s needs with you and ask you to fill out a questionnaire. You will have ample opportunity to share your observations and concerns. The team will meet to evaluate your child’s therapeutic and educational needs and write a treatment plan. You will receive the plan by mail within two weeks after the evaluation.

Q: How are students admitted to Giant Steps?
A: If, after your child’s evaluation, you are interested in enrolling your child in Giant Steps, contact your school district’s Special Education Coordinator. Many students are placed at Giant Steps through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. If the IEP process does not result in a recommendation to place the student at Giant Steps, some parents opt to make a private tuition arrangement.

Q: Will Giant Steps help my child with inclusion in our local school?
A: Yes. When a student is referred to Giant Steps via the IEP process, Giant Steps works with the school district to maintain a level of inclusion that is appropriate for that student. Many students start full-time at Giant Steps then gradually enter inclusion with the support of a Giant Steps Teaching Assistant.

Q: How are parents involved in the program?
A: Parents are the leading experts on their own children. Your participation in your child’s program is critical to his or her success at Giant Steps. The daily log lets you communicate your observations and concerns directly to your child’s teaching assistant and to learn about your child’s activities each school day. Support groups provide parents the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge. Progress reports and parent conferences take place each fall and spring. Meetings with the director and therapy/teaching team are scheduled as needed.