Starting school is such an exciting milestone — full of new experiences, friendships, and opportunities to grow. But it can also bring big changes and big feelings, especially for children who are still developing the skills to navigate social routines, follow directions, and manage transitions.
At So Much to Say, we know how important this step is for both children and their families. That’s why our team of dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) not just to teach isolated skills, but to help each child build the confidence and independence they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
In this post, we’ll share how ABA supports school readiness — one small success at a time.
Communication is at the heart of learning. Whether it’s answering a teacher’s question, asking for help, or making a new friend, being able to express oneself clearly opens the door to connection and understanding.
Through ABA, our team helps children develop communication in the ways that work best for them — whether through spoken language, sign language, gestures, or assistive communication devices. Using proven methods like mand training (teaching requests), tact training (labeling and describing), and functional communication training (FCT), we replace frustration with purposeful communication.
For example, a child might learn to raise their hand to request a break rather than leaving their seat or use words to ask for a preferred toy instead of crying. These moments build confidence and reduce barriers to learning — giving children the tools to express their wants, needs, and ideas.
At So Much to Say, we celebrate every “I did it!” moment.
ABA therapy helps children develop independence by teaching daily living skills that prepare them for school routines. This might include:
These skills don’t just make mornings smoother — they help children feel capable and proud. When a child can handle daily routines on their own, they can focus more energy on learning, exploring, and engaging with their teachers and peers.
The ability to focus, listen, and follow directions is essential in a classroom. We call these skills Ready to Learn Skills and ABA therapy builds these foundational skills through structured, fun, and positive learning experiences.
Our therapists use reinforcement-based teaching methods that make participation enjoyable. We might start with short, engaging activities and gradually increase the duration, helping children build stamina and focus over time.
The result? Children who can attend to a teacher’s instructions, complete classroom routines, and participate confidently in group learning — skills that make the school day feel predictable and rewarding. An important note is that every child is unique, and this applies to their learning profile as well. Every child learns new behavior at a different pace and this is where the BCBA comes in! To learn with the child and structure their learning environment to make the most efficient progress possible.
One of the most exciting parts of school is making friends — and we want every child to feel included and connected.
So Much to Say’s ABA programs emphasize social learning through play, group activities, and real-world practice. We help children learn how to:
By weaving social lessons into fun, natural play, children develop the skills to form friendships and enjoy positive interactions with peers and teachers alike. At So Much to Say we focus on both learning in a structured environment (commonly called Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI)) as well as in a social group environment.
Before diving into reading and math, children need to master key learning behaviors — such as attending, imitating, matching, and problem-solving.
Our BCBAs design individualized programs to help children strengthen these pre-academic skills in a fun, play-based way. Depending on each child’s goals, sessions might include:
These activities lay the groundwork for academic success while keeping learning joyful and motivating.
One of the things that sets So Much to Say apart is our belief in teamwork. School readiness isn’t something that happens in isolation — it’s the product of collaboration among families, therapists, and educators.
We regularly partner with schools to share strategies, create consistency, and support classroom transitions. Our BCBAs can:
When everyone works together, children experience smoother transitions and consistent reinforcement — key ingredients for success.
At its heart, ABA is about celebrating progress — no matter how big or small. Every mastered skill, every moment of connection, and every independent step forward helps build a child’s sense of accomplishment.
At So Much to Say, we want every child to walk into school feeling confident and curious. We use positive reinforcement and compassionate teaching to ensure that learning is something children want to do — not something they have to do.
Preparing for school isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers. It’s about developing the confidence, communication, and self-regulation to navigate a new world of discovery.
At So Much to Say, our ABA programs are designed to help children grow in every area of development — social, functional, behavioral, and academic — so they can step into school ready to learn and shine.
Contact us today to learn more about how ABA therapy can support your child’s school readiness and long-term success.
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