What is Little Sparks? All About Our Preschool Program
The Spark Learning Blog • Posted by Alix Naginski, MSc, RBT on February 20, 2026
Q and A with our Preschool Program Director, Hannah!
Our Enfield location offers both ABA services and a preschool program, Little Sparks, designed to support the skills children need to feel confident as they transition into mainstream school. Our unique classrooms serve both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners, providing a welcoming, patient environment where every child can grow and thrive.
Our Preschool Program Director, Hannah Hiracheta, answered some of the most frequently asked questions from families interested in joining our preschool program.
What classrooms do we have and how are the age ranges split up?
Our Little Sparks Program is made up of three classrooms designed to support children at different developmental stages:
- Tiny Sparks: 18 months to 3 years
- Little Sparks: 3 to 5 years
- Kinder Sparks: 4 to 6 years
Children are grouped based on their developmental skills. Learning materials and activities in each classroom are selected to be developmentally appropriate and supportive of each child’s growth.
What curriculum does Little Sparks use?
We use the Frog Street Curriculum, a nationally recognized and comprehensive early childhood curriculum. Frog Street supports whole-child development and focuses on age-appropriate academic foundations, social-emotional skills, language, literacy, math, and hands-on learning through play.
Frog Street is designed for all children and is widely used in preschool programs across the United States. While it is not a special needs specific curriculum, it allows educators to meet children where they are developmentally and supports individualized instruction.
How is ABA implemented in the classroom?
At Spark, we implement ABA strategies naturalistically throughout each child’s day. Our focus includes functional communication, use of visual schedules, and building tolerance for teacher-led activities.
While ABA strategies are often used to support neurodivergent learners, all students benefit from these approaches. Positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and consistent routines help create a learning environment where children feel comfortable, confident, and supported.
What is the therapists role in a classroom?
Instructional leadership in the classroom comes from the lead teachers. Therapists serve as additional support, particularly when students have difficulty following directions or engaging in activities.
Materials and lessons are introduced by the teacher, while therapists assist with reinforcing positive behaviors and supporting students in completing tasks. Therapists primarily focus on the behavioral components of each child’s learning experience, helping create a classroom environment that closely mirrors what children will experience in mainstream school settings.
How do teachers fit into the clinical setting?
Teachers and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) collaborate closely in each classroom to support all learners. Children who need more intervention receive additional ABA therapy sessions in the afternoon.
With guidance from BCBAs, teachers are able to individualize both academic instruction and behavior supports, ensuring each child is set up for success within the classroom environment.
What are peer models? Why are they important?
Each classroom includes peer models, who are neurotypical children learning alongside neurodivergent peers. Children naturally learn through their environment and interactions with others.
Peer models provide natural examples of language, social interaction, and classroom behavior. This is especially beneficial for children who are nonverbal and supports meaningful play opportunities for children on the autism spectrum.
How do all children benefit from being in Little Sparks?
Families of neurotypical children often ask how inclusive classrooms benefit their own child. One of the most immediate benefits is our low classroom ratios. In a group of eight children, there is a teacher, a BCBA, and at least four therapists. By comparison, many traditional preschool classrooms have one to two teachers for up to twenty children.
These ratios allow for increased individual attention and personalized learning opportunities. While therapists may be providing one-to-one support for a child, they are also available to assist and support all students in the classroom as needed.
Beyond academics, inclusive classrooms naturally foster compassion, understanding, and empathy. Children learn to appreciate differences and develop a deeper sense of kindness and awareness that extends far beyond their time at Spark.
How do our classrooms prepare children for kindergarten/ the mainstream school system?
Lead teachers work closely with families and future schools during each child’s transition out of Spark. For neurodivergent learners, BCBAs are also involved to support a smooth and successful transition.
Children are prepared by learning how to communicate their needs, advocate for themselves, and build independence. The academic material taught aligns with what they will encounter in their next classroom, helping them transition with confidence.
What are the prerequisites needed to enter our classrooms?
One of the first things we consider is a child’s motivation to be around peers. We want to ensure children are placed in an environment where they can be successful and happy.
Skills we look for include the ability or motivation to sit with peers for short periods, attend to a teacher, or engage in play within a designated area. In the Tiny Sparks classroom, we help build these skills. As children move into older classrooms, we prioritize ensuring their comfort and readiness.
Another important factor is compliance and the ability to tolerate structured activities. In the Kinder Sparks classroom, children practice sitting at a table and completing teacher-led tasks such as writing their name. While expectations increase, instruction is always individualized and adjusted to each child’s pace and needs.
What alternatives are available for children not yet ready for a classroom setting?
At our Enfield location, we also offer individual therapy. This option is ideal for children who need to develop foundational skills before transitioning into a classroom.
Children receiving individual ABA practice group skills such as circle time and group activities, but with greater flexibility since there is no lead teacher directing a full group. Instructions are individualized, allowing children to build tolerance for transitions and group expectations at their own pace. This approach often serves as a strong stepping stone toward classroom placement.
How can families get more information?
Give us a call today at (512) 900-1425 to set up a complimentary consultation!
Join the Spark Family
- Little Sparks – Our early intervention preschool and kinder program designed to build foundational skills through play-based ABA therapy.
- Speech Therapy – Helping children develop communication skills with personalized, engaging speech and language support.
- Summer Camp – A fun, inclusive program where kids build social skills and confidence through structured activities and play.
- Social Skills & Group – Small-group ABA sessions that teach children how to engage, communicate, and navigate social situations.
- Parent Training – Equipping parents with effective ABA strategies to support each child’s growth at home and beyond.
At Spark, we believe that ABA therapy should be engaging, natural, and, most importantly… fun! Our goal is to empower children, support families, and build confidence in every child we work with.
Ready to learn more? Reach out today!