Early Learning Preschool Program
Mitchell's Place preschool was built from the ground up to support children with and without autism, so every child has what they need to grow. Your child doesn't have to fit the classroom. The classroom fits them.
Early Learning, Fully Integrated
Our daily schedule provides a balance of structured learning, child-led exploration, outdoor play, and rest. Throughout the day, students engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including academic activities, free play, and opportunities to build communication and social skills. Consistent routines for meals, rest, and transitions create a predictable and supportive environment that helps children build confidence and independence, while flexible, engaging activities encourage curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful learning. Daily outdoor play and enrichment opportunities further support physical, social, and cognitive development.
Built to Belong
Three programs designed around your child's needs.
Inclusive Preschool
Learning alongside peers in a supported classroom setting.
Therapy Integration
ABA, speech, and OT built into every school day.
Our Approach
A Look Into Our ELP Approach
The Early Learning Preschool uses an inclusion model designed to support both children with autism and typically developing peers. By blending Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), our program supports the growth and development of every student. Our curriculum aligns with Alabama Early Learning and Development Standards and encourages the natural progression of skills across cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and motor domains.
Children engage in a balance of child-led exploration and teacher-guided instruction that promotes independence, engagement, and skill development. Consistent daily routines provide structure and predictability, helping children feel confident and prepared to learn, while flexible and collaborative learning experiences are responsive to each child's strengths, interests, and needs.
As a Cognia-accredited program, we are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards of educational quality. Through this multidisciplinary approach, students are supported in reaching meaningful developmental and educational outcomes.
Autism Spectrum Students in the ELP
Students with autism benefit from a highly individualized, inclusive learning environment that combines evidence-based practices with meaningful opportunities for social engagement. Children receive targeted instruction in communication, social-emotional development, adaptive skills, academics, and motor development while learning alongside typically developing peers.
Our low student-to-teacher ratio, master's-level educators, and highly trained staff work within a multidisciplinary team that includes special education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. This collaborative approach ensures that each child receives individualized support designed to build confidence, independence, communication skills, and school readiness while promoting meaningful progress across all areas of development.
Communication Skills
Children practice expressing needs, making requests, and connecting with peers through guided, play-based learning.
Social Development
Structured peer interaction helps children build friendships and navigate shared spaces with growing confidence.
Neurotypical Students in the ELP
Typically developing students play an important role in our inclusive preschool environment by serving as peer models and learning alongside their classmates with autism. Through daily interactions, collaborative play, and shared learning experiences, children develop empathy, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while building meaningful friendships.
Our research-based approach and developmentally appropriate curriculum support academic achievement while fostering social-emotional growth, independence, and school readiness. Small class sizes and highly trained staff create a nurturing environment where all children benefit from diverse perspectives and individualized support.
As a Cognia-accredited program, we are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience that prepares students for long-term academic and social success.
Confidence grows through real peer friendships
Children build real friendships through structured play, learning to connect, take turns, and belong alongside their peers.
Language develops through natural back-and-forth play
Children learn to communicate by doing what children do best: playing, talking, and trying again together.
Accreditation & Standards
Mitchell's Place is accredited by the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, a nationally recognized standard for ABA therapy providers. That credential means clinical rigor, ongoing staff training, and outcomes held to a measurable bar that goes well beyond state licensing requirements.
Tutition, Enrollment, & Waitlist
Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale, so cost doesn't have to be the reason a child misses out. Enrollment opens each year for the following school year, and spots fill quickly. If the program is full when you apply, we'll add your child to our waitlist and reach out as soon as space opens. To get started, request an evaluation and we'll walk you through the process from there.
Tuition rates for the 2026-2027 academic year varies based on need and insurance coverage.
Have Questions?
Early Learning Preschool Inquiry
Taking the next step is simple. Reach out and we'll walk you through the enrollment process together.
Looking for Our Therapy Services?
Mitchell's Place also offers a full range of autism therapy services, including ABA, speech, occupational, and feeding therapy. If your child needs more than the preschool program, or if you're exploring all your options, our therapy team is here to help.