The Forum School Students Will Reach a Higher Level of Learning

Waldwick, NJ–The Forum School has announced the recent addition of Kristen Goodman-McCloskey, BCBA® as the school’s board certified behavior analyst.

As a BCBA®, Krissy joins The Forum School staff with the gold standard in professional credentials in the field of autism. The board certified behavior analyst is a graduate-level certification in applied behavior analysis, and a key component to high quality programs designed to teach students on the autism spectrum.

Many students with autism and related challenges have behaviors that can be perceived as noncompliance and that may also interfere with learning. Bringing decades of experience, Krissy will be supporting classroom teachers and therapists as they work with students to reduce negative behaviors and increase adaptive skills. She will also help to bring a behavioral perspective to teaching important life skills such as communication and self-care.

A behavioral approach has long been part of The Forum School’s educational program. “Whether helping students to learn new skills, or working with them to reduce behaviors that are not compatible with learning, our educators begin from a place of compassion,” said Brian Detlefsen, school principal. “We understand that challenging behavior is a way of communicating.”

Teachers at The Forum School use a range of positive behavioral supportsto teach students more effective and appropriate ways of communicating their needs. Each classroom has a customized motivational system that encourages students to learn and use appropriate behavior.

“The staff, students and parents are excited to have Krissy as part of The Forum School’s education community,” said Brian Detlefsen, school principal. “Her work will bring a deeper behavioral perspective to helping our students maximize their progress and independence.”

About The Forum School:Founded by parents in 1954 and located in Waldwick, NJ, The Forum School is a New Jersey state-approved private nonprofit school serving children with autism and related learning, language, behavioral, and social challenges who are not able to learn in a public school setting. At The Forum School teachers customize learning for each student using behavioral and psycho-educational approaches in a structured and nurturing learning environment. Students with disabilities, ages 5-21, are placed by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. For more information please visit: www.theforumschool.com, or call (201) 444-5882.