What Is Sprouts? Inside Laurel Life’s ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program

Sprouts classrooms combine play, structure, and positive reinforcement to help preschoolers build confidence and kindergarten readiness.

For many young children, the journey to kindergarten begins long before the first day of school. Laurel Life’s Sprouts program is a unique therapeutic treatment group that helps children build the emotional, social, and behavioral skills they need to thrive in the kindergarten classroom and beyond.

Sprouts is designed for preschool-aged children who need a little extra support developing important life and learning skills. Through fun, play-based activities and proven behavioral strategies, every child in Sprouts has the chance to grow in confidence, independence, and readiness for kindergarten.

A Foundation for Early Success in a Kindergarten Readiness Program

Sprouts is a group treatment program for children ages three to six who are experiencing skill delays or developmental challenges. It serves children with behavioral health diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Sessions run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. all year long. Each round lasts seven weeks, followed by a one-week break before the next session begins.

Every day in Sprouts is filled with opportunities to learn and grow through activities that focus on:

• Functional communication

• Social interaction

• Emotional regulation

• Play and daily living tasks

• Coping with sensory challenges

These are the building blocks of kindergarten readiness.  Sprouts functions as a kindergarten readiness program By developing these skills early, children are better prepared to participate, focus, and connect with others when they begin school.

How ABA Principles Support Learning

The Sprouts program is built on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a proven and science-based approach that helps children develop meaningful behaviors and new skills. ABA focuses on positive reinforcement and strategies based on research that meet each child where they are.

In the classroom, ABA isn’t just about therapy, it’s about creativity and fun. One of our favorite examples is a sensory art project where children smashed blackberries to create natural paint. This playful activity helped them build fine motor skills, improve attention, and become more comfortable with different textures.

Sprouts instructors also use visual tools like choice boards to help nonverbal children communicate what they want. These small but powerful strategies encourage independence and reduce frustration during the learning process.

Building Social and Emotional Readiness

Getting ready for kindergarten isn’t just about learning letters and numbers. It’s also about managing emotions, cooperating with others, and feeling confident in new environments.

Sprouts classrooms are designed to help children practice these skills every day. Through guided play and group activities, children learn how to share, take turns, follow directions, and solve problems together.

Every member of the Sprouts team is trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and trauma-informed care, which means they are equipped to provide support through the use ABA strategies and understand how to support children who have experienced adversity. This helps each child feel safe, respected, and encouraged — key ingredients for true growth.

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

Parents and caregivers are essential partners in every child’s progress. The Sprouts team keeps families involved through open communication, goal-setting, and celebrating milestones together. Parent meetings are offered at the end of each round

The program is currently available to families in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with costs covered through PA Medical Assistance. At this time, parents or guardians provide transportation to and from the program. Laurel Life is exploring new partnerships and sponsorships to help more families access this valuable resource in the future.

Learn More About Sprouts

Kindergarten readiness is more than just academics, it’s about helping children discover who they are and what they can achieve. Sprouts combines early behavioral health support with fun, hands-on learning so every child can enter kindergarten confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

👉 Learn more about the Sprouts program here.