Blending Therapies & Academics
Play-Centered Learning
In Center & Home Based Therapy
Partnered with Polaris Academy
Blending Therapies & Academics
Play-Centered Learning
In Center & Home Based Therapy
Blending Therapies & Academics
Our vision is for Starlight Behavior Academy to be a foundational education and life resource upon which children, parents, and the community can build a better future for those with autism and other neurodiversity conditions.
We will educate and empower: i) our students to discover and act upon their diverse potential, ii) our parents to engage as trusted partners, iii) our professionals with adaptive tools to manage and accomplish social, academic, and behavioral goals, and iv) our community on the unique talents, strengths and opportunities our students can contribute socially, professionally, and beyond.
Starlight Behavior Academy will become more than a school, it will grow to become a living community of students, parents, and professionals working together to craft a culture of unity, belonging, discovery, and self-worth.
Our mission for Starlight Behavior Academy is to EMPOWER parents and students by creating academic and social resources to NAVIGATE autistic and other neurodivergent children towards a more purposeful, independent, and fulfilling future.
Our flexible education model combines grade level standards with individualized and comprehensive goals to promote student strengths, acknowledge student limitations, and ELEVATE each child to reach their full potential. By combining the experience of our school professionals, the dedication and unique talents of parents and children, and the resources of our community, Polaris Academy will propel its students on a path to greater joy, confidence, and achievement.
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Empower - Navigate - Elevate
ABA Therapies
In Clinic and At Home
Starlight incorporates an amazing ABA Therapy program offering services both at home and in clinic. ABA therapy can be transformational in early childhood development and our in-clinic experience offers both 1:1 and group integration techniques preparing children for social pairing and group dynamics essential for success in school and life. A unique Intentional Play Zone and School Readiness group center enhance an already amazing ABA program to equip our clients with the tools they need to grow and thrive.
What Parents Are Saying
Meet Our Team
Starlight staff are uniquely trained with our proprietary autism supports delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for clients
Discover the Starlight Difference
ABA Therapy and Academics combined
Self-Advocacy Skills
At Starlight we teach our students and clients that they have a voice and autonomy in the community. Self-Advocacy skills are embedded within everything we do, but individuals with autism often struggle getting their needs met, especially in high-stress situations. By focusing on our 3 key elements of self-advocacy:
- Understanding your needs
- Knowing what supports are available
- Communicating those needs to others; children are able to more fully find their voice and confidence in their expression.
Play-Based Approach / Circle Time
At Starlight, we embrace a naturalistic, child-centered, and play-based approach to learning that is supported by proven clinical, ABA, and other therapy techniques. This unique form of experiential learning prepares our students for growth and developmental success. Circle time is a key component of our learning experience inviting meaningful opportunities to engage and bond, and creating social learning opportunities in an intentional way.
Classroom Regulation / PDA
Incorporating ABA practices into our curriculum provides the framework for a truly regulated classroom environment. And because classroom ABA is not limited strictly to medical models, we can incorporate additional tools and techniques for other autism modalities such as PDA (or pathological demand avoidance) to provide more diversified experience for our students and more comprehensive resources for our staff. Our professional development efforts ensure that we are always looking ahead to the latest strategies and programs that will serve our students and enrich a culture of learning and growth.
Tuition & Insurance Options
Starlight Academy accepts ESA and STO payment programs as well as private pay, and clinic services incorporate most insurance plans.
What is ABA?
ABA is a science-based approach to learning that focuses on understanding and changing behaviors through positive reinforcement and other techniques.Â
What are the benefits from ABA therapy?
ABA can help improve communication, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills in children with autism.Â
What is early intervention?
Early intervention refers to providing therapy and support to children with developmental delays as early as possible, ideally before preschool age.Â
Research shows that early diagnosis of and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.
A child’s brain grows most rapidly in the first three years of life, particularly from birth to age 3.
What is the parents' role in ABA therapy?
Parents play a vital role in ABA therapy, working with therapists to implement the treatment plan and support their child’s progress at home. Starlight believes that parent education, parent involvement, and parent input is crucial in the success of each learner.Â
How does Starlight blend both academic and behavior support?
Starlight’s qualified teachers, BCBAs, and RBTs collaborate and support each child to reach their goals through appropriate assessments, goals, programs, and data collection for best treatment outcomes. Our skilled staff are intentional with integration of education and therapies based on each child’s individual needs to ensure a positive transition when the time comes.
At Starlight Behavior Academy what curriculums are used?
At Starlight our Preschool and kindergarten instruction is derived from the Creative Curriculum as assessed with the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) model, and is based on the Arizona Early Learning Standards. We utilize multiple hands-on, digital, and research-based curriculums that allow teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of each of our learners. In our clinic, common assessment tools can include but are not limited to ESDM, VB MAPP, ABLLS, and Socially Savvy. Individualized treatment plans are implemented to ensure we are meeting each client where they are, reinforce areas of strengths, and support any challenging areas they may have for best treatment outcomes.Â
Does Starlight offer parent training and support?
Yes! We offer quarterly parent training workshops and multiple opportunities throughout Â
Where are you located?
Currently we are located at 6641 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 but are working to add additional locations soon!
What are your hours?
Clinic services are scheduled based on the needs of each child. Starlight Academy is broken down into a morning session and afternoon session:
- AM Session: 8:10am-11:10am
- PM Session: 11:20am-2:20pm
What if I need full day service?
Starlight has several models that can incorporate all-day services if it is in the best interest of the student/child including: all day clinic services, half day clinic and half day academy services, or all day academy services.
How do we pay for services?
Starlight accepts most insurance providers for clinical services, and also accepts ESA for Academy and clinic services. We also accept private pay.
A Unique Partnership:
Polaris Academy
Starlight Behavior Academy is an affiliate brand of Polaris Academy, the Premier Arizona School for Autistic and Neurodivergent children serving grades 1-12. Polaris Academy incorporates unique experiential learning environments through their STEM Discovery Center, Culinary Lab, Intentional Play Gym, and Student Business Center to bring real-world education to its students. Like Starlight, Polaris classrooms are supported by integrated ABA and other therapy techniques right in the active learning environment. Instead of “aging out” of a clinic program, Starlight students can “age in” to Polaris Academy for continuity of education and a continued path of learning, development, and growth.