The Educational Partnership for Instructing Children (EPIC) is a New Jersey Approved Private School for Students with Disabilities (APSSD). EPIC is a non-profit school dedicated to providing effective and evidence-based services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
At EPIC we believe that the most important measure of student success is how well he or she does outside of the classroom, either at home or in the community. That means that all EPIC students, even our youngest students, are provided with some form of community-based instruction on a regular basis.
EPIC accepts students between the ages of 3 and 21 years old. The current student population includes students between 5 and 21 years old.
Students arrive at 8:45 am and are dismissed at 2:45 pm.
Classes range from 4-6 students per class with students matched based on age and level of functioning.
EPIC used methods derived from the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to teach skills, increase independence, and reduce disruptive behavior.
No. Skills that are addressed through related services such as OT, PT, and Speech, are addressed at EPIC using behavior analytic principles and are integrated within each student’s day.
The ratio of staff-to-students at EPIC is 1:1 throughout the school.
Each classroom has a minimum of one state certified teacher with either a Teacher of the Handicapped or Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification and an appropriate grade level certification when necessary. Instructional aides hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology, education, or a related field.
Students who display prerequisite skills are eligible to participate in EPIC’s inclusion program which systematically includes students into a general education setting while maintaining student success.
EPIC’s school year consists of 210 school days including an extended school year program. Students attend EPIC for 183 days between September and June and complete an additional 27 days in July and August.
Included with EPIC’s clinical program is home consultation, available upon request. EPIC staff will work with parents, siblings, and caregivers to provide the tools necessary to effectively interact with the student. In addition to monthly Clinic meetings, workshops are presented by Clinical staff on varying topics.
To be considered for enrollment, parents or school districts should complete and submit an intake request form. All interested parties are welcome and encouraged to come to EPIC for a tour and presentation with EPIC personnel. If interested in pursuing placement, a file should be submitted to the Principal’s attention at 238 N. Farview Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.
