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Witnesses describe RISE pilot: full‑day, five‑day preschool for children with multiple exceptionalities; expansion plans reported
Summary
Committee testimony described a pilot preschool program called RISE for children on the autism spectrum with hearing or vision loss, noted the program runs five days a week for a full school day, has a waiting list double current capacity, and is being considered for regional expansion.
A presenter described a preschool program identified in testimony as RISE and said it serves children on the autism spectrum who also have hearing or vision loss. The presenter told the committee the program integrates typically developing peers and uses universal design for learning strategies.
On program intensity, the presenter said RISE operates as a “5 day a week, full school day program,” and contrasted that with many existing programs that meet “2 days a week at 1 hour or 2 hours,” which the presenter said are unlikely to produce the same gains. The presenter said the pilot already has a waiting list “double” the program’s current capacity and that officials are looking to institute similar programs at regional centers across the state.
The presenter characterized RISE as distinctive in Alabama for providing educational resources to children on the autism spectrum who also have deafness or blindness. The presenter said the program is being copied in other states and offered to provide committee members with connections to the program lead.
Representative Daniels asked about regional availability and effective programs in North Alabama; the presenter said they have partnered with evaluative research groups in Madison and provided direct offers to follow up with constituents.
The transcript records this discussion as informational; no formal committee direction or vote on program funding or statutory change was recorded.
