The TAG! Program

Fostering Social-Emotional Development  

Together Achieving Goals (TAG!) is a 10 week social skills program designed to promote the building of friendships, the sharing and expansion of ideas, and conflict resolution.  The expansion of peers’ ideas will reinforce the understanding of another’s point of view creating empathy in peer relationships. Adapting one’s responses to the ideas of others is the foundation for the development of friendships and instills confidence in your child.  Confidence leads to strong emotional relationships where a child can share joyful experiences which promote lasting learning for life.

The TAG! program enrolls up to six children supported by 2 or 3 clinicians depending on the class size.  The class is semi-structured in that there is a set schedule that the class follows.

TAG! Class Schedule

1)      Free Play

2)      Motor Room/Outside

3)      Snack

4)      Closing

Although the schedule is structured, each activity within the schedule is led by the children with the clinicians supporting each child in their interactions with the other peers in the class.  The key is to have the children develop an internally motivating relationship with their peers which creates the desire to engage, understand, and relate to others.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy regarding social skills is founded on forming a supportive relationship between peers. Research based practices such as principles of DIR®/ Floortime ™ as well as applied behavior analysis (ABA) are unique therapies created for each child and group’s individual needs.  We believe that the building blocks to developing intelligence are founded in the continual development of communication, problem solving, and understanding social interactions. Therefore, within child/group led activities, therapists continually build engagement and sharing between peers which leads to healthy, lasting relationships.

Information about TAG!

  • Enrollment into TAG! will be determined after reviewing your child’s sensory profile and social skills checklist.  If your child is not ready for this program, we will suggest other services such as our ROOTS  program or individual therapy to help strengthen your child’s skills.
  • Each group will have up to six kids and two or three therapists.  The therapists’ roles are to foster the expansion of ideas, social reciprocity, and reflective thinking according to each child’s individual needs.
  • Each parent is sent an email after each class with a summary about how the class progressed.
  • Each group will meet for 10 sessions.  Groups meet once a week for 1.5 hours.

TAG! 2011 Calendar

AGE: 5 to 9 years old

Session 1:    Jan 6th - March 10th

Session 2:   March 24th – May 26th

Session 3:   June 9th – Aug 11th

Session 4:   Aug 18th –  Oct 20th

Session 5:   Oct 27th – Dec 15th

(only 7 weeks)

Steps to get into the TAG! Program

New to Enroll:

1)       Complete the Sensory Profile and the Social Skills Checklist to get on our interested list.  Please be as accurate as possible when completing the social skills checklist.

2)       Return the completed documents to Kim at LCA. Groups fill very quickly; therefore, please return the documents as quickly as possible in order to secure a spot.

3)      The Social Skills Coordinator will review the documents and determine if your child is ready for TAG!

4)      If there is a spot available, you will be notified about coming to a trial class.  A trial class is required in order to determine whether or not the group is an appropriate fit for you, your child, and the group.

5)      Once your child has attended the trial class, the therapists will let you know if your child is an appropriate fit and if you would like your child to attend the next TAG! session.  If so, a deposit of $500 is required in order to secure your child’s spot.  The remainder is due at the first TAG! class.

6)      If we have a waitlist, your child will be placed on the waitlist and you will be notified as soon as a spot is available to attend the trial class.

7)      If your child is not ready for TAG!, we will suggest other services such as our ROOTS social skills program to help strengthen your child’s skills.

Currently Enrolled:

Currently enrolled children will have priority placement for the next session.  If you would like to continue the group, you can do so by registering by the 7th week of the current session and paying the deposit. This will secure a spot for the next session. If you do not register and pay the deposit by the 7th session, your spot could be given to a child on the waiting list.

Attendance & Commitment

It is very important for children to attend and be on time as the children count on each other for success and growth.  Please notify us if it becomes difficult to attend TAG! on time. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to interact with peers.  Please let us know if you have any questions about goals, sessions, or therapy throughout the program time.

Cancelation Policy

Please notify us one week prior to any cancelations or vacations.  We understand that there are times you cannot make it to class, but please let us know ASAP when you need to cancel because there are other children affected by this cancelation.  If you wish to discontinue during a TAG! 10 week session, let us know as soon as possible.  Please note that there are no refunds once you commit to a TAG! 10 week session.

For more information feel free to contact us at 425-657-0620 or info@lakesideautism.com.