Services
Families and Individuals
Early Learners
EARLY START DENVER MODEL
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based comprehensive, developmental, and behavioral model that focuses on naturalistic teaching that occurs within authentic relationships. It supports children 12 months-48 months with a developmental curriculum and specific teaching strategies. It is the model that Thrive uses when implementing ABA services for our youngest learners to cultivate motivation, meaning, and supportive care. We do so because our primary goal is to bring children into positive reciprocal interactions that lend themselves to shared enjoyment, trust, and learning.
When we practice ESDM, we focus on the core features of the model:
Parent partnerships
Interdisciplinary
Relationship based
Developmental framework
ABA Teaching principles
What does this mean?
Our ABA services look and feel different because we are using ESDM as a naturalistic way to teach and support children to thrive. We play and discover meaningful social games as the foundation for teaching. We connect through authentic social interaction and develop reciprocal relationships. We pay attention to child interests and explore their motivations. We build moments to communicate and share enjoyment together. We incorporate evidence-based learning strategies that are effective and support meaningful change tied to shared values.
Our history with the Early Start Denver Model
At Thrive, we believe and are highly skilled in the Early Start Denver Model. One of the founders of Thrive, Diane Osaki, began her work on the original Denver Model with Dr. Sally Rogers at JFK Partners, here in Denver, more then 20 years ago. After learning from Sally and seeing the incredible effects of the model, she continued sharing her knowledge and developing expertise in ESDM with her colleagues at Thrive.
Thrive is one of the few clinics in the USA that have multiple ESDM Certified therapists. We now have two certified trainers on staff and six certified therapists, with additional staff in training. We value our role training others nationally and internationally, as well as being a training site for those eager to learn with us.
INFANT INTERVENTION: THRIVE FROM THE START
Play-based coaching for infants and their families
For parents and caregivers who are looking for additional strategies or have developmental concerns about their infant, we offer naturalistic relationship and play-based support and family coaching. Our goal for intervention, is to teach parents how to use daily routines such as play, mealtime, diaper changes, outdoor activities, and social games to enhance the interactions and learning that can happen throughout the day.
School-Age & Beyond
SCHOOL-AGE SUPPORTS
The focus of our team in schools is to support behavior challenges, build new skills in school, strengthen peer relationships, and promote independence. Thrive conducts school observations, creates individualized supports, and works side-by-side in collaboration with an individual’s school staff to maximize student success.
For our school age & beyond clients, we provide supports that are centered around assent, relationship-focused, developmentally rooted, and evidence-based. Goals are written specifically for each child to strengthen their daily functioning, play routines, leisure skills and relationships.
In addition, we work with parents, siblings, and community partners (schools, religious communities, summer camps) to interact meaningfully so each learner can be successful at home and in the community.
Home-Based Sessions
Home-based sessions offer opportunities for individuals to learn in environments that are central to their lives. Community sessions often occur in summer camps, pools, museums, playgrounds, and other meaningful locations for an individual. Sessions focus on individualized goals to increase access and motivation in daily routines, play activities, or leisure skills in their home & community. Our aim is to create learning opportunities in many environments so children can develop additional skills at home & beyond.
School Supports
In school sessions, Thrive providers work directly with students in the school environment to maximize their success and carry over skills. In addition, they collaborate and provide coaching to support teachers and their interactions with the student.
Play and Therapy Groups
We offer group therapy in the afternoons. Kids club groups meet weekly and are often with same-age peers, who share related interests, and could benefit from similar areas of growth. Clubs are small groups of 2-5 children with a low adult: child ratio. Individuals receive focused support as they navigate purposeful interactions and co-construct activities with their peers. As guides, we promote individuals to engage in their interests, share their ideas, and navigate natural social problem solving to build authentic peer relationships.