What Is Sprouts? Inside Laurel Life’s ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program
Updated: Aug 6
For many young children, the journey to kindergarten begins long before the first day of school. Laurel Life’s Sprouts ABA-focused kindergarten readiness 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).
Sprouts is connected to Laurel Life’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services, which provide individualized support for children and adolescents in their everyday environments.
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.
ABA uses positive reinforcement, repetition, structure, and individualized strategies to meet children where they are. Families who want to better understand the connection between ABA and Laurel Life’s behavioral health services can read What Is ABA Therapy and How Is It Used in IBHS?
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.
Learn more about skill-building through ABA in How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism and Developmental Delays
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.
Sprouts Eligibility and Location
Sprouts is currently available to eligible families in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, through Laurel Life’s Chambersburg location.
The program is funded through Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. Parents or guardians currently provide transportation to and from the program.
Families can learn more about local behavioral health support through Laurel Life’s Chambersburg IBHS location.
Learn More About Sprouts
Kindergarten readiness is about more than academics. It is also about helping children communicate, follow routines, manage emotions, build independence, and discover what they can accomplish.
Sprouts combines behavioral health support with structured, hands-on learning so children can enter kindergarten feeling more confident, capable, and prepared to succeed.
Learn more about Laurel Life’s Sprouts ABA-Focused Kindergarten Readiness Program in Chambersburg, PA.
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