Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Selects Service Providers for New Autism Program

The DARS press release on March 7, 2008 announced four grant awards of $1.25 million each.

1.Texana Center (primarily Fort Bend, Austin, Matagorda, Colorado, Wharton, Waller, Harris, Montgomery, Galveston Counties and surrounding counties)
2.Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (primarily Harris Co.)
3.Easter Seals of North Texas (primarily Dallas and Denton Counties)
4.Child Study Center (primarily Tarrant County)

Here is what Texana will be providing with the funding from the grant:

Expanding and upgrading the current BTTC Day Treatment Program in Rosenberg.  The children ages 3-8 will receive services through the BTTC Children’s Comprehensive Day Treatment Program. At least 40 children will benefit over the next 17 months through this exciting program.

            *4 full-time Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
                        *2 BCBA’s responsible for student program development (ratio of 1:12 or 13)
                        *1 BCBA assigned to parent training and transition planning
                        *1 BCBA assigned to staff training and supervision
            *2 full-time Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCABA)
            *monthly tuition for the full-time program $2,500
            *assistance with filing for insurance reimbursement
*Treatment teams for 6 children which include a minimum of 2 college degreed hands-on staff
*Licensed Psychologist to conduct routine autism scale and intelligence assessments
*Comprehensive staff training for new hires before student assignment
*Program starts April 1, 2008

For more information contact peter.fonseca@texanacenter.com