How did the Autism Model School begin?
In 1998 a group of parents got together and put in an application to the Lucas County Board of Education to sponsor us as one of the first charter schools in Ohio. The parents based the school on research-based programming and best practices in the field of autism studies and modeled ourselves originally after the Baudhin Oral School of Nova Southeastern University. In those first years the school, then called M.O.D.E.L. Community was limited to four classrooms serving 30 children ages 5-12 located in Arrowhead Park in Maumee serving only students in the Lucas County area.
As the years progressed, we responded to the needs of our parents and the community by expanding to two buildings in Lucas County serving all of Ohio. We also have a classroom in Bryan, Ohio and Genoa, Ohio. We currently serve 90 students ages 5-21. Under the Great Lakes Center for Autism we partner with other groups such as Bittersweet Farms and the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio in many diverse ways to continue to be a support to parents and the community.
Do you have summer programming?
Yes. The Autism Model School is a year round school and our summer session has the same hours, days and programming as the rest of the year does. We are always closed on weekends and all government recognized holidays. We do have a few days off in the beginning of summer and at the end of summer.
What do I have to pay for my child to attend the school?
The Autism Model School is a public community school. We do not charge any fee for attendance.
Parents are strongly encouraged as part of our programming to help provide reinforcements for the students, pay a once a year small school fee and help out the classroom as the family is able to.
How can I participate as a parent?
We strongly encourage our parents to attend IEP/ETR meetings, attend School Board Meetings, and come for parent / teacher conferences.