Milestones' Enrichment Program for Social Skills
(the MEPSS model)
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MEPSS Model Features:
The MEPSS treatment model was developed by Tracie Vickers, M.S. and launched in 2007 after fifteen years of experience teaching social skills to children with autism in 1:1 settings, in school environments, through facilitated play dates, and in small social skills groups.
The MEPSS model has variations in program curriculum to appropriately match the chronological as well as the developmental age of participants. Milestones currently has a MEPSS model curriculum for children 2-3 years old and one for children 4-6 years old.
The MEPSS curriculum looks similar to a preschool or a pre-k class. It includes a circle time with phonics activities and a sight reading program, guided playtime, turn taking games, group dance and movement, group pretend play, group tactile activities, and group motor activities such as obstacle courses. However, unlike a school program, the MEPSS model focuses on social skills development in a therapeutic atmosphere that mimics the flow of a natural social environment.
The MEPSS curriculum is designed to create many moments of shared enjoyment through social activities between participants, to promote reciprocal social interaction through turn taking games, to develop the social skills needed to effectively participate in group games and activities, and to improve social communication skills.
MEPSS participants are welcome to bring a friend from school, their neighborhood, or a family member on a regular basis. It is the goal of the MEPSS program to build relationships between children with ASD and their peers, siblings, and other family members while improving social skills.
In typical preschool programs children are left to socialize on their own. As a result, many social learning opportunities are lost. Children with ASD need expert adult guidance to help them learn how to interact with their peers. The MEPSS model emphasizes social skills development. We make sure that each child has the support they need to connect with their peers.
The MEPSS model is designed for intensive social development as participants attend two times per week for a total of six hours. On occasion participants may come one time per week for three hours. Each group run by four MEPSS trained facilitators.
The MEPSS model makes space for a maximum of five children with an ASD and up to four neurotypical children. Key components to the MEPSS model is that it is an intensive social integrated program.
The MEPSS program for children 2-3 years meets on Monday and Thursday from 9:00-12:00.
The MEPSS Program for children 4-6 years meets on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30-5:30.
We also have a MEPSS program for children 4-6 years that meets on Saturday from 9:30-12:30.
