Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About the First Children Services Transitions Program
1. What is the First Children Services Transitions Program?
The First Children Services Transitions Program is a specialized, center-based educational program for students in grades 5–12 who struggle to attend traditional school consistently due to school refusal, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Located in New Jersey, the program combines academic instruction, individualized educational support, and mental health counseling in a structured, small-group environment. Its goal is to help students maintain academic progress, develop emotional and social skills, and work toward successfully returning to their traditional school setting when appropriate.
2. Who can benefit from a school refusal program in New Jersey?
Middle and high school students in grades 5–12 who experience anxiety, depression, school avoidance, chronic absenteeism, or other mental health challenges that interfere with regular school attendance may benefit from a structured school refusal program. The First Children Services Transitions Program provides an alternative educational environment for students who need additional academic and therapeutic support. Students do not need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan to participate.
3. What educational and mental health services does the Transitions Program provide?
The First Children Services Transitions Program combines full-day academic programming with individualized educational support and counseling. Services include small-group instruction, individualized learning, individual and group counseling, social skills development, assessment and intervention planning, honors-level courses, and Extended School Year programming. Counseling is provided by licensed clinical social workers and may incorporate approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies. This integrated approach helps students address the emotional and academic challenges affecting school attendance.
4. Does the First Children Services Transitions Program help students return to traditional school?
Yes. An important goal of the First Children Services Transitions Program is to help students develop the academic, emotional, and social skills needed to transition back to their home school district when appropriate. Through structured learning, counseling, peer interaction, and individualized transition planning, students work toward rebuilding confidence and improving their ability to participate in a traditional educational environment. The transition process considers each student’s individual needs and progress.
5. Can New Jersey school districts refer students to the First Children Services Transitions Program?
Yes. The First Children Services Transitions Program works with New Jersey sending school districts to provide educational and therapeutic support for students experiencing school refusal and mental health-related attendance challenges. School administrators, Child Study Teams, educators, and families can contact First Children Services to discuss program eligibility, referral information, and placement considerations. The program serves students and school communities throughout New Jersey, including Roselle Park and surrounding Union County communities. For information, call 856-250-8737 or email referrals@firstchildrenservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Services and ABA Therapy at First Children Services
1. What autism services does First Children Services provide in New Jersey?
First Children Services provides comprehensive autism services through its STRIVE model, including autism diagnostic evaluations, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, parent training, social skills groups, and behavioral health support. Services are available in center-based, home, school, and community settings, depending on the child’s needs. Families in Roselle Park, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities can access individualized support designed to improve communication, social development, daily living skills, and independence.
2. What is ABA therapy, and how does it help children with autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps children develop meaningful skills through individualized teaching and positive learning experiences. ABA therapy can support communication, social interaction, daily living skills, emotional regulation, and other areas of development. At First Children Services, ABA programs are personalized around each child’s strengths, preferences, needs, and communication style, with an emphasis on building trust, encouraging independence, and creating positive learning experiences.
3. Does First Children Services offer in-home ABA therapy near Roselle Park and Union County, NJ?
Yes. First Children Services offers ABA therapy in multiple environments, including its autism centers, the home, schools, and community settings. In-home ABA therapy allows children to practice communication, daily living, and other developmental skills within familiar surroundings. Home, school, and community-based services also help families reinforce learned skills in everyday situations. First Children Services serves families throughout New Jersey, including Roselle Park and surrounding Union County communities.
4. Does First Children Services provide autism diagnostic evaluations?
Yes. First Children Services offers autism diagnostic services to help determine whether a child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Evaluations may include ADOS testing, developmental history, structured assessments, and observations of communication, social interaction, behavior, and developmental milestones. The organization also offers telediagnostic services and care planning following diagnosis. Families can contact the referrals team at referrals@firstchildrenservices.com to learn more about scheduling an evaluation and available services.
5. Does First Children Services offer parent training and support for families of children with autism?
Yes. Parent training and family support are important parts of the First Children Services STRIVE autism services model. Parents and caregivers receive guidance on reinforcing communication, social, and daily living skills at home and in the community. This collaborative approach helps families better understand their child’s needs and apply strategies consistently across everyday environments. By involving parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, First Children Services works to promote meaningful progress, greater independence, and long-term success for children with autism.