When Brandon Francis opened Kids World Academy he had one main goal in mind. "There are very few private schools for children with special needs," Francis said. "We are a place for kids of all abilities." Teacher Miss Lee Ann explained that it is the integration of typical peers and special needs kids that gives Kids World such a unique environment.  "When autistic kids are surrounded by only autistic kids they never learn normal behavior," she said. "And the typical peers here grow up used to it (special needs) and are more compassionate." The private school is in Taylorsville/Murray and it is set up to make the children feel instantly at home, "Because, kids feel most comfortable when they are at home," Francis said. Francis earned a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Utah and his M.Ed. in K-12 special education from Grand Canyon University. For the last seven years, his focus has been working with children that have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Kids World Academy offers a low teachers to students ratio which allows each child, both special needs and typical, a good deal of one-on-one time with a teacher each day. Kids World Academy also uses a collaborative effort between the teachers and parents to address the specific educational needs of each child. Kids World Academy offers a preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade class. Kids World Academy also knows that it is not uncommon for special needs children to also require a special diet. In those cases, the school offers an appropriate alternative snack or lunch. Several teaching methods are incorporated in the daily routine at Kids World. Applied Behavior Analysis is a method used to teach autistic children, who are often quite capable of learning. The SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Supports) maintains that everyday activities contain the most meaningful learning experiences during childhood.  Both methods are found in practice at Kids World Academy. This private school also includes music therapy, drum therapy and American Sign Language. For more information about Kids World Academy call 801-243-4991 or visit http://www.kidsworldacademy.org.

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