Foundations FAQs

What is Bumblebee Academy Foundations Program?

Bumblebee Academy Foundations Program is a private learning center that focuses on small classroom learning environment that allows students to learn from each other, achieve individual goals and develop foundational skills that can lead them to transitioning into a traditional learning environment. The teaching method we will be using focuses on helping students who need to catch up and get ahead.

What is your teaching method?

We are happy to report that while doing our research, the science behind ABA led us to an evidence-based teaching method developed by behavior analysts, that perfectly aligns with our mission and goals for the academy. We will be implementing the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction (MMGI). This is a non-traditional teaching method that supports children needing to catch up or get ahead academically. (Read More)

Where is it located?

Our campus is located on the border of Vero Beach and Fort Pierce just eight minutes from our Vero Beach Center. All classrooms in one building with three playgrounds and green space for PE.

6708 Gaddy Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34951

What grade levels will be offered in the Foundations Program?

Learners at elementary skill level are welcome.

What is the size of the learning center?

We will have classrooms with an average of 8-10 students per classroom. The learner to staff ratio will be no more than 10:1 and as low as 6:1.

Will meals be provided?

Not at this time, but this may change in the future.

Is morning/aftercare an option?

Aftercare will be offered Monday through Friday until 5:30pm. Please contact the Academy if morning care is needed.

Will Speech/OT/ABA services be permitted in the learning center?

Yes! All Speech and OT service providers will be welcomed into our classrooms. Our sister company, Piece of the Puzzle Behavior Analysis will be our exclusive ABA therapy provider. Additionally, our teachers will be trained in ABA techniques and will collaborate on all outside services on an ongoing basis to best support all students.

What makes Bumblebee Academy Foundations Program different?

Bumblebee Academy welcomes learners of all abilities and teaches with a concentration on inclusion and kindness. Our teachers and BCBAs will assess each child individually to understand their current skill level and develop appropriate educational goals. Classroom teachers will receive ongoing training and support from consultants who developed the MMGI teaching method as well as the academy leadership that will allow them to better teach and support each child in their small classroom environment.

Essential Skills Development FAQs

If you believe your learner does not yet have the prerequisite skills to join our Foundations Program and would need additional support, they may be better suited for our Essential Skills Development (ESD) Program.

Our ESD program provides an individualized, alternative educational model of instruction that is based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. We offer two different support levels based on the physical and social needs of our select group of learners. This program is specifically designed for learners ages 4 through 8 who need to build their essential skills prior to moving into our Elementary Foundations program or another elementary program.

Below are examples of the skills and behaviors of a student well-suited for our ESD program at either Support Level One or Two. A board-certified behavior analyst will conduct a PEAK assessment that will cover skills within various developmental domains to determine the level of support needed for your learner.

Support Level One:

Student:Teacher ratio of no more than 3:1

Moderate-Severe distractibility or interfering behaviors

Ex: unable to sit and attend to a task, high rates of stimming behaviors, etc.

Mild-Moderate problem behavior

Occurring more than 40% of the time
Ex: Tantrum, non-compliance, verbal outbursts

Limited joint attention

Does not respond to name or other verbal prompts
Looks to others when seeking to have needs met (Ex. needs help, hungry, or thirsty)

Adult directed activity

Needs reinforcement throughout a 1-3 minute structured activity
Needs a high level of verbal, gestural, and some physical support to follow one-step directions that are familiar.

Peer interactions

Plays more often alone and sometimes disrupts the play of others
Limited functional play with toys or materials

Support Level Two:

Student:Teacher ratio of no more than 4:1

Mild-Moderate distractibility or interfering behaviors

Ex: Can sit and attend to tasks for a minimum of 3-5 minutes, low rates of stimming behaviors, etc.

Mild problem behavior

Occurring less than 40% of the time
Ex: tantrum, noncompliance, verbal outbursts

Joint attention

Looks to others for praise or to share interest/engagement in activity.
Consistently looks when name is called.

Adult directed activity

Will complete a structured activity for 3-5 minutes and earn reinforcement when activity is completed.
Needs a low to moderate level of verbal, gestural, and some physical support to follow 1 step directions that are familiar.

Peer Interactions

Engages in parallel play with peers.
Has some functional play skills.

***Presence of aggression, self-injurious behavior, and property disruption will be evaluated on an individual basis looking at impact on classroom environment and individual support needed. A discussion of center-based ABA services may be recommended.

Essential Skills Development FAQs

If you believe your learner does not yet have the prerequisite skills to join our Foundations Program and would need additional support, they may be better suited for our Essential Skills Development (ESD) Program.

Our ESD program provides an individualized, alternative educational model of instruction that is based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. We offer two different support levels based on the physical and social needs of our select group of learners. This program is specifically designed for learners ages 4 through 8 who need to build their essential skills prior to moving into our Elementary Foundations program or another elementary program.

Below are examples of the skills and behaviors of a student well-suited for our ESD program at either Support Level One or Two. A board-certified behavior analyst will conduct a PEAK assessment that will cover skills within various developmental domains to determine the level of support needed for your learner.

Support Level One:

Student:Teacher ratio of no more than 3:1

Moderate-Severe distractibility or interfering behaviors

Ex: unable to sit and attend to a task, high rates of stimming behaviors, etc.

Mild-Moderate problem behavior

Occurring more than 40% of the time
Ex: Tantrum, non-compliance, verbal outbursts

Limited joint attention

Does not respond to name or other verbal prompts
Looks to others when seeking to have needs met (Ex. needs help, hungry, or thirsty)

Adult directed activity

Needs reinforcement throughout a 1-3 minute structured activity
Needs a high level of verbal, gestural, and some physical support to follow one-step directions that are familiar.

Peer interactions

Plays more often alone and sometimes disrupts the play of others
Limited functional play with toys or materials

Support Level Two:

Student:Teacher ratio of no more than 4:1

Mild-Moderate distractibility or interfering behaviors

Ex: Can sit and attend to tasks for a minimum of 3-5 minutes, low rates of stimming behaviors, etc.

Mild problem behavior

Occurring less than 40% of the time
Ex: tantrum, noncompliance, verbal outbursts

Joint attention

Looks to others for praise or to share interest/engagement in activity.
Consistently looks when name is called.

Adult directed activity

Will complete a structured activity for 3-5 minutes and earn reinforcement when activity is completed.
Needs a low to moderate level of verbal, gestural, and some physical support to follow 1 step directions that are familiar.

Peer Interactions

Engages in parallel play with peers.
Has some functional play skills.

***Presence of aggression, self-injurious behavior, and property disruption will be evaluated on an individual basis looking at impact on classroom environment and individual support needed. A discussion of center-based ABA services may be recommended.

Investment

What is the investment for an academic year at Bumblebee Academy?

Tuition: (items below included)

Instructional Materials
Technology: Learning programs/Apps and Parent Communication System

Required Fees: (all fees listed are per student and non-refundable)

Initial admissions & assessment: $299
Essential package (ONLY) assessment: $199
Enrichment Assessment: $125
Returning Student Registration/Re-assessment Fee: $199/year

Payment Options:

Monthly payment plans will be available including automatic payment withdrawal.

Sibling Discount: A 5% sibling discount is given to families that have multiple siblings enrolled concurrently at the learning center. The discount only applies to tuition and not to any other fees. The oldest sibling is not eligible for the 5% discount.

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester : August 9- December 15

Spring Semester: January 4- May 31

*Winter, Spring and Summer Break Sessions will be scheduled separately