Mesa school board approves $4.5K contract increase for L.E.A.P. programs

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted 5-0 to approve a $4,500 contract increase for Leap Learning Experience programs at the July 23 meeting.

Leap Learning Experience is a model of intervention that serves children with autism in the same environment as neurotypical children in a preschool setting. The program uses a peer-mediated approach where children with autism are taught to interact with neurotypical children, and vice-versa. The idea for the model is for it to facilitate learning for neurodivergent youth and to also teach neurotypical youth how to interact with autistic children, according to https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_793.

Curriculum includes foreign language program. phonics, physical fitness, STEM, philantrophy and more. This contract increase will leave the previously $120,000 contract at $124,500. The contract fits in the board goal alignment of increasing graduation rates while also fitting in the strategic goal alignment to ignite a culture of learning. The contract increase was approved as part of a multi-item consent agenda during the July 23 meeting.

“This contract is in the final phase for the implementation of the Learning Experiences: an Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents (L.E.A.P.) model in inclusive preschool classrooms (year 4) at Falcon Hill, Johnson, Keller, Wilson and Whittier. We are in the second year of the Prevent Teach and Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC) training for all preschool staff. This model provides teachers the tools to identify and resolve serious challenging behaviors and increase social and communication skills in the classrooms. The strategies and interventions in the LEAP model and PTR-YC support students in self-regulation and social skills so they are prepared and ready to learn the expected skills,” a memo to the school board states

MUSD — also known as Mesa Public Schools — is the largest public school district in Arizona and has six high schools, nine junior high schools, 55 elementary schools and 18 choice and success schools.