Sprouts: ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program in Chambersburg, PA

Sprouts is Laurel Life’s ABA-focused kindergarten readiness program for young children who need additional support building the skills needed for success in school.

 

Located in Chambersburg, PA, Sprouts provides structured, play-based learning experiences that help children develop communication, social, emotional regulation, daily living, and classroom readiness skills in a supportive environment.

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Sprouts uses principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is connected to Laurel Life’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), allowing children to receive individualized behavioral support while practicing skills in a group setting.

 

What Is ABA and How Does It Support Early Learning?

 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based approach used to understand behavior and how it is influenced by the environment.

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ABA is especially effective for children who may experience challenges with:

• Communication and language development

• Social interaction

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory processing

• Changes in routine

• Daily living skills

• Classroom readiness skills

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Through consistent support, positive reinforcement, and individualized teaching strategies, ABA helps children build meaningful skills that carry over into everyday life.

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For more information about how ABA can support children with autism, developmental delays, and skill-building needs, read How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism and Developmental Delays.

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What Is the Sprouts Program?

 

Sprouts is a group-based ABA program for preschool-aged children experiencing developmental delays or skill deficits.

 

The program focuses on building foundational skills in key areas such as:

• Communication and language

• Social interaction and peer engagement

• Play and daily living skills

• Emotional regulation

• Classroom routines

• Independence

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Through structured daily programming, children gain the tools they need to transition successfully into a school setting.

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Families can learn more about the program in What Is Sprouts? Inside Laurel Life’s ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program.

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Who Sprouts Can Help

 

Sprouts may support preschool-aged children who need help building skills before entering kindergarten. This may include children who experience challenges with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, transitions, routines, play skills, or daily living skills.

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Children do not need an autism diagnosis to participate in Sprouts. The program supports children with a behavioral health diagnosis who meet eligibility requirements and may benefit from ABA-focused early learning support.

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How Sprouts Prepares Children for Kindergarten

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Sprouts provides hands-on, age-appropriate learning experiences designed to help children succeed in a classroom environment.

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Children participate in structured group activities while also receiving individualized support based on their specific needs and goals.

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Each child’s progress is guided by ABA principles, ensuring that learning is both intentional and measurable.

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Sprouts helps children practice skills that may support a smoother transition into kindergarten, including following routines, participating in group activities, communicating needs, engaging with peers, and building independence.

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Individualized Support Within a Group Setting

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While Sprouts is a group program, each child receives individualized attention.

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A Clinical Specialist, who is a licensed ABA therapist, oversees daily operations with support from a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

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Children benefit from:

• Individualized assessments and goal setting

• One-on-one breakout instruction

• Ongoing progress monitoring

• Adjustments based on skill development

• Support with communication, social, behavioral, and daily living goals

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This balance allows children to build independence while still receiving targeted support.

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How Sprouts Connects to ABA and IBHS

 

Sprouts uses principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children build practical skills they can use at home, in the classroom, and in everyday routines.

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ABA strategies may support communication, emotional regulation, peer interaction, independence, and positive behavior. Families can learn more about ABA in What Is ABA Therapy and How Is It Used in IBHS? 

 

Sprouts is also connected to Laurel Life’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services, which provide individualized support for children and adolescents in home, school, daycare, and community settings.

 

Families looking for additional behavioral health support can also learn more about Chambersburg IBHS.

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Program Structure and Schedule

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Sprouts is a year-round program designed to provide consistency and routine.

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The program operates on a schedule of seven weeks in session followed by a one-week break.

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Additional program features include:

• Small group sizes with a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio

• Regular progress reviews every seven weeks

• Adjusted session frequency based on individual progress

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This structure allows for focused learning while giving children time to reset and recharge.

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Who Is Eligible for Sprouts?

 

To participate in the Sprouts program, children must:

• Be between the ages of 3 and 6 (prior to entering kindergarten)

• Have an active Pennsylvania Medical Assistance plan

• Have a behavioral health diagnosis (Autism diagnosis is not required)

• Reside in Franklin County

 

An autism diagnosis is not required to participate in Sprouts.​

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If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, our team can help guide you through the process.

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Helpful Sprouts Articles for Parents and Caregivers

 

Families exploring Sprouts may also have questions about ABA, early learning, kindergarten readiness, and behavioral support. These articles explain how Laurel Life helps children build communication, social, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.

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Learn More About Sprouts

 

What Is Sprouts? Inside Laurel Life’s ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program 
Learn what Sprouts is, who the program supports, and how Laurel Life helps young children build school readiness skills through ABA-focused support.

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Learn More About ABA and Early Childhood Support

 

What Is ABA Therapy and How Is It Used in IBHS? 
Learn how Applied Behavior Analysis works and how ABA is used within Intensive Behavioral Health Services.

 

How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism and Developmental Delays 
Explore how ABA can help children strengthen communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, independence, and everyday routines.

 

What Does an ABA Behavior Consultant Do? 
Learn how ABA professionals support children and families through assessment, treatment planning, skill-building, and progress monitoring.

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Related IBHS Resources

 

What is IBHS? A Guide for Parents and Schools
Understand how Intensive Behavioral Health Services support children in the home, school, daycare, and community.

 

Signs Your Child May Benefit from IBHS
Review common signs that a child may need more structured behavioral or emotional support.

 

What Happens Before, During, and After an IBHS Referral
Learn what families can expect during the IBHS referral, assessment, and treatment planning process.

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2025-2026 Sprouts Calendar

 

Families can view the current Sprouts calendar to learn more about program sessions, breaks, and scheduling.

 

View the 2025-2026 Calendar

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Zoom to Bloom: Support Reliable Transportation for Sprouts Kids​

 

You can help our Sprouts children keep growing and thriving through our Zoom to Bloom Fundraiser! 

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This campaign supports reliable transportation for children attending the Sprouts ABA Kindergarten Readiness Program—ensuring every child has consistent access to the care, structure, and learning experiences they need to succeed.

 

Your contribution helps remove one of the biggest barriers to early intervention: getting to and from the program safely. Together, we can keep our little learners on the road to brighter futures!

 

👉 Learn more or make a donation here: Zoom to Bloom Fundraiser

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How to access Medical Assistance

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Sprouts requires an active Pennsylvania Medical Assistance plan. Families who need help learning more about Medical Assistance can review the following resources:

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COMPASS HHS Home (state.pa.us)

Compass Flyer English.pdf

PUB 0606-S.pdf (pa.gov)

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Call 717-375-1527 or email IBHS@laurellife.com for additional information.