WAYNESBORO – Waynesboro native Lindsey Ensminger describe the role of the Sprouts pre-k program, which operates under vaseFolium, Inc., a non-profit group dedicated to overcoming adversity and inspiring growth for the disadvantaged.
The Sprouts pre-k program currently has two classrooms of nine students each in operation at the organization’s Brown’s Mill Road facility in Antrim Township. There are plans to add a third classroom to serve a total of 27 students.
Students who are referred to Sprouts normally have some sort of learning disability such as autism, ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Referrals come from parents, doctors, schools and targeted case managers. Children participating are ages 3-6. The goal is to get them to a competency level that will enable them to enter a regular classroom when they reach elementary school age.
Ensminger said treatments are based on applied behavior analysis, which uses measurable data to analyze student behavior and track improvement. Staff members attempt to determine the root cause of the behavior that is setting the student apart, to analyze the behavior itself and to trace the consequences of the behavior.
To be admitted to the program, participants must have Pennsylvania medical assistance and must live in Franklin County. Ensminger said there is an extensive waiting list.
