Foundations for Understanding Social Engagement
Nurturing and Supporting Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood
The F.U.S.E. SCHOOL & PROGRAM was created in 2012 by Lauren Weeks, Psy.D. clinical child psychologist. As a school consultant for years, she encountered children with social and emotional challenges who were struggling and being underserved in typical school settings. She wanted to create a place where these children felt nurtured, supported and learn strategies to thrive socially. Initially, Dr. Weeks created small social groups and a summer program for children to build trust, instill confidence, enhance flexible thinking, engage in shared experiences and connect with peers. She noticed a sparkle in these children’s eyes, a new- found motivation to engage and increase self-esteem. As a result, she decided to combine her background in education with her clinical experience and with a huge leap of faith, created a therapeutic school for early learners. With a little extra support, scaffolding, and nurturing the children at F.U.S.E. began to shine and succeed in school and social situations. Currently, we have a private nonprofit school for preschool – 1st grade, after school program, and Therapeutic Summer Program. F.U.S.E. supports countless children to become successful, feel confident, and thrive socially.
Areas of Focus
We feel each approach we train our teachers in and utilize throughout the day support and build on each other. Used collectively, this provides the most comprehensive systematic approach to developing the whole child. F.U.S.E. provides each child with the necessary tools in a thoughtful scope and sequence he/she needs to feel and be successful at every stage of life.
- Nonverbal Problem Solving
- Co-regulation
- Collaboration and Flexibility
- Perspective Taking
Pretend Play
Social Pragmatic Communication
Emotions and Feelings
Coping Strategies
Sensory Integration
- And More…
FUSE School
The FUSE School serves children in preschool through first grade. We believe that a small teacher- student ratio creates a successful and positive environment for the children. Two full time teachers lead each class of 5-7 students. We offer (pre-preschool, preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. The FUSE Program includes the FUSE School, FUSE After School Social Groups Program, which features small social groups, recess games, social sports samplers, and yoga and mindfulness groups for children 3-8 years old. FUSE Programs include February and April Vacation programs and a popular six-week Therapeutic Summer Program.
Therapeutic Summer Program
The FUSE Therapeutic Summer Programs are four-day/week programs for children ages three to nine. The program is offered during February and April vacation weeks and six weeks during the summer. The ratio of counselor to a child during the summer is the same as the schools: 2 counselors to 5-7 children.
Social Groups
The purpose of the FUSE Social Groups is to teach children social collaboration and communication skills in order to apply these strategies and skills with their peers. The group works toward a common goal at the same time as children pursue individual growth. Using activities and games, they learn social problem solving, co-regulation, social communication, collaboration, and flexibility.