Youth Services (5-14 Years)
An Encouraging Environment
Early and continued intervention is imperative for forming and maintaining social progress. The Kinney Center provides a warm and accepting place for your child to play and grow alongside peers. Programming varies from ABA that improves social skills to weekend and summer recreation that expands fine and gross motor functioning.
- Director: Emily Haindl, BCBA
- Phone: 610-660-2171
- Email: ehaindl@sju.edu
Youth Social Skills
Your child will be expertly grouped based on age and ability to facilitate appropriate peer relationships. In addition to weekly lessons that focus on improving social interaction in a group-learning environment, you child will work toward mastering a set of goals that is specific to their strengths and challenges. Skills will be determined based on your answers to the Social Skills Solutions Checklist and an individualized curriculum will be made for each child.
Youth Social Skills sessions include a group lesson, and a three-station rotation of skill teaching. Data is collected on skill performance and behaviors in order to monitor progress. Instruction will be adjusted as needed.
Youth Social Skills
Wednesdays | February 5-April 16 (No class on March 5)
5:30 - 7:30 PM | Ages 5-14 (Participants will be broken into two cohorts based on age)
Cost: $1000
REGISTRATION FOR THIS PROGRAM WILL CLOSE ON JANUARY 17, 2025
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The Kinney Center offers programming for all ages and ability levels. Due to our training model, individuals may not be accommodated if behavioral support is required. This includes but is not limited to severe aggressive behaviors, intensive self-injury, and/or high rates of elopement. It is also required for all participants to be fully potty-trained. If you are unsure if your child will qualify, it is recommended to submit your most recent behavior intervention plan and up-to-date behavioral data for review. Families may be requested to come in for an observational visit per behavioral review. For additional requisitions regarding eligibility, please contact the Kinney Center Programs Team.
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The Kinney Center’s unique staffing model is inspired by our two-fold mission to serve individuals affected by autism while training students studying to work in the field. Most programs are staffed 1-to-1 by our undergraduate students, known as Kinney SCHOLARS. SCHOLARS receive two weeks of intensive training upon acceptance into their role, have all relevant clearances from the state, and are both CPR and CPI certified. In addition, Graduate Assistants within related fields manage the team of SCHOLARS, meeting on a weekly basis to discuss skill progress and suggested teaching activities. Ultimately the program is overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) from our full time staff. The BCBA’s roles include training and supervising SCHOLARS in skill teaching procedures and behavioral interventions. The program manager is available to complete functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans for students that present behavioral concerns during the program.
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Youth Social Skills is held in the Kinney Center, which is located in Connelly Hall, Room 250. Parking is available in the Quinn Lot off of Latches Lane or the Upper Duperreault Lot off of Latches Lane.
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In the case of inclement weather that causes program cancellation, sessions will not be rescheduled due to time and space restrictions. Outdoor programs have an alternative indoor space available if needed. Make sure to update your profile with a valid email and cell phone number to ensure you receive up to the minute information.
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Due to the educational component of the Kinney Center, at various times, students enrolled in the autism major, minor or certificate program will be observing programs as part of their coursework.
Avery was practically a baby. She was three and a half. We thought we’d get a phone call in 20 minutes and she ended up staying for an hour and a half. She was still fine even when we came to pick her up."
![Child and SCHOLAR student at Camp Kinney]()
Christine Maguire
Camp Kinney
Your child can enjoy a traditional day camp experience while continuing the progress they achieved during the school year. Campers with autism participate in arts and crafts, science experiments, swimming, and visits from special guests alongside their neurotypical peers.