Dear School Districts

The Brighthouse Academy offers a specialized, data-driven educational alternative for students requiring intensive behavioral or social/emotional support. Grounded in the evidence-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis, our program complements public school efforts by providing individualized instruction, structured behavior interventions, and a clear path to reintegration. We are currently accepting referrals for the 2025–2026 school year.

The Challenge Facing Public Education

The current state of public education is a growing concern shared by educators, families, and communities alike. Teachers are experiencing increased levels of burnout, parents are expressing frustration, a lack of trust, and many students continue to struggle within a system not designed to meet their diverse needs. As society evolves, our educational practices must adapt to reflect the changing needs of students. While public school educators are highly skilled and resourceful, the traditional school structure often lacks the flexibility and resources to provide the individualized instruction and behavioral interventions that some students require.

According to recent surveys, over 70% of educators report an increase in disruptive behaviors, with 25% observing these behaviors multiple times per day, compared to just 66% in 2019. These behaviors affect not only the student but also significantly disrupt the broader classroom environment. Frequent disruptions hinder the learning process, impair concentration, and lower engagement, all of which can dramatically impact overall performance outcomes.

Behavioral Disruptions: A Threat to Learning and Belonging

The increased rate of maladaptive behaviors presents a significant safety concern and undermines the secure, supportive environment essential to learning. Children who exhibit disruptive behaviors in public schools also face a variety of adverse consequences that can affect their academic, social, emotional, and long-term developmental outcomes. These challenges are often exacerbated when behaviors are misunderstood or insufficiently supported. Students may lose instructional time, show poor attendance, experience decreased motivation, and earn lower grades. Social and emotional complications these students may also experience include negative social interactions leading to damaged relationships with peers and staff, a compromised sense of belonging or connection to the school, lower self-esteem, increased anxiety and depression, and heightened feelings of shame or guilt. These outcomes, compounded by stigmatization and isolation, can contribute to higher dropout rates.

The Need for an Alternative Approach

Although significant strides have been made in educational research and behavioral science, many of these proven strategies remain underutilized in public schools due to limitations in training and support. As a result, student behavior continues to be one of the most prevalent challenges facing public schools today, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive, systemic approaches that prioritize both behavioral support and emotional well-being.

In accordance with federal regulations (CFR 300.115), each public agency is required to ensure the availability of a continuum of alternative placements to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities for special education and related services.

A Collaborative Solution: The Brighthouse Academy

The Brighthouse Academy was established to serve as a collaborative partner to public school districts, offering an alternative educational setting designed to support students who require more intensive behavioral intervention and services. Our program is grounded in the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with a primary focus on reducing maladaptive behaviors and promoting positive behavior change. Interventions are implemented through reinforcement strategies, extinction procedures, and, when appropriate, structured, and individualized consequences.

Individualized, Evidence-Based Programming

All interventions and instructional practices at The Brighthouse Academy are data-driven, goal-oriented, and aligned with individualized student needs. Our staff, composed of highly trained and certified professionals, deliver instruction using a 1:1 teaching model, on a year-round schedule. Each student receives a customized skill acquisition plan that targets the development of functional replacement behaviors. These plans emphasize skills such as effective communication, appropriate social interactions, self regulation and enhanced executive functioning.

Mastery criteria will be determined for each of the targeted goals and objectives identified for each student. Data will be collected and assessed on a regular basis for progress monitoring and ongoing planning. Progress updates will be provided to the student’s home school and IEP team, to assist with making decisions related to the student’s education and placement.

Transition Planning And Reintegration

To promote a smooth and effective transition, The Brighthouse Academy offers a continuum of comprehensive services, including opportunities for staff training for the receiving school and individualized support for the student, provided by our staff within the public school setting. A collective approach to transition allows for an ABA trained professional to continue with data collection and progress monitoring throughout the transition process, adjusting support as necessary to promote stability and long-term success. A collaborative transition model provides consistency in the implementation of intervention protocols, increased reliability and validity of data collection and outcome measurements, as well as increased rates of students’ ability to maintain learned skills and generalization. Through this individualized and structured approach, The Brighthouse Academy supports students in building the skills necessary to successfully access their education within the least restrictive environment.

Individualized Learning Opportunities

The rise of online academic platforms provides the opportunity to align quality instruction with the social/emotional services necessary for student success. These platforms provide students with access to rigorous curriculum aligned with educational standards, within a structured, therapeutic, and individualized learning environment. This integrated and collaborative approach supports academic success alongside improvements in overall quality of life.

Our Commitment To Student Success

The Brighthouse Academy represents a forward-thinking, evidence-based solution to some of the most persistent challenges facing our education system. By addressing the whole child, academically, behaviorally, and socially, we empower students to reach their full potential and return to their communities with the tools they need to thrive.

Our ultimate goal is to help each student build the skills necessary to reintegrate successfully into less restrictive educational environments or transition into adulthood with confidence, independence, and resilience. All students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), and our intention is to support and assist the public school system in delivering on that mandate. Through a collaborative approach with districts, families, and community partners, we can ensure that every student receives the opportunity they deserve.

Consultation Services

The Brighthouse Academy is pleased to offer a range of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) consultation and training services tailored to meet the diverse and complex needs of students within public school settings. As a trusted provider with expertise in behavior analysis, special education, and systems-level support, The Brighthouse Academy is committed to collaborating with school districts to develop meaningful, individualized, and research-driven solutions for students, educators, and support teams. The Brighthouse Academy offers flexible and comprehensive consultation packages designed to meet each district’s unique needs.

Our services include, but are not limited to:

Classroom observations and professional recommendations

Staff training and professional development

Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)

Development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Design and implementation of individualized reinforcement systems

Creation of data collection and progress monitoring tools

Crisis and safety planning, including de-escalation protocols

Embedded 1:1 student support within the classroom setting

These services are available as stand-alone supports or in combination, based on district goals and student needs. All services are provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), trained behavior technicians, and/or interdisciplinary professionals under the supervision of licensed clinical staff. Services may be provided on a short-term (consultative) or long-term (embedded service) basis, depending on district preference and resource availability. A formal service agreement will be developed prior to the initiation of services and will outline scheduling, rates, documentation, and reporting expectations.

Contact And Referral Information

If your district is seeking a reliable, research-based partner in supporting students with complex needs, we invite you to connect with us to explore how The Brighthouse Academy can be part of your solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or begin the referral process.

We welcome referrals for the 2025-2026 school year—let’s partner for student success!

Rebecca Chapin, MSE, BCBA, LBA

Clinical Director

The Brighthouse Academy

rebeccachapin@thebrighthouseacademy.com

319-290-6974

Nate Robinson, MSE, BCBA, LBA

Academy Director

The Brighthouse Academy

naterobinson@thebrighthouseacademy.com

816-510-0117