June 2024 Board of Education Students of the Month: Early Childhood Students Involved in PIPA Project
The PIPA project, facilitated by the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project team at the University of Kansas, pairs students with autism who speak 20 or fewer words with their neurotypical peers to implement evidence-based Stay-Play-Talk peer interventions.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the families of our Early Childhood students, who generously opened their homes to researchers to determine if their child was eligible to participate. Their trust and willingness to be part of this project have been invaluable.
Lansing USD469 also extends a heartfelt thanks to the incredible professionals who devoted their time and expertise to this initiative. Speech-language pathologists Ashley Maiava and Lauren Boeding and Early Childhood teacher Jessica Garner underwent extensive training to learn how to implement the Stay-Play-Talk interventions effectively. Thank you to Janet Weaver, the project coordinator; Riley Timmons, the research assistant; and staff members Becca Dalton, Madi Riddle, Paige Bell, and Keri Litewski. Each of them was instrumental in making this project a success.
The research conducted at Lansing Early Childhood observed marked improvement in communication among preschoolers with autism. The peers were taught how to Stay together, Play together, and Talk to each other using assistive technology devices when necessary. This process increased reciprocal communication and communication acts per minute between the preschoolers.
This project is not just a short-term intervention but part of a 5-year study. Researchers, staff, and families are already excited about putting in the work next year for the greater good.
Please join us in recognizing our Students of the Month, who have shown us the power of inclusion, empathy, and collaboration:
- Mylee Wade
- Theo Stilwell
- Audrey Bugher
- Jolene Delich
- Xavier Landeros
- Max Palikij
- Jesse Athans
- Salem Demir
- Eleanor Roberts
Your efforts and dedication have contributed to important research and helped create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.