Outdoor learning for diverse needs

At Sienna Ranch, we welcome students to our Social Group who are ready to engage in hands-on learning and outdoor experiences. Students in this class are:

• Comfortable wearing closed-toe shoes, such as tennis or sturdy hiking shoes (no rubber shoes like Crocs)
• Enthusiastic about getting a little dirty and being outside in all weather
• Able to stay with a group with no more than two adult prompts
• Curious and excited to push themselves in a new, outdoor learning environment
• Able to communicate their needs effectively (e.g., bathroom requests, needing space)
• Able to appropriately express themselves and protest using words or a communication device
• Willing to work with staff if behavioral challenges arise
• Capable of following verbal directions in outdoor settings (e.g., “We’re going to the buckeye tree,” or “Please walk in this outdoor space”)
• Gentle with both people and animals
• Able to walk on uneven, unpaved terrain

Note on Supportive Aides

For students who may need additional support, a 1:1 aide is required to ensure their success in the class. If your child has a 1:1 behavioral aide in other settings, we ask that they attend together—extra support in our outdoor classroom helps set students up for success. Please note that we typically do not allow parents or guardians to serve as aides.

Our Daily Focus at the Ranch

• Each day at the Ranch, we strive to create a positive, nurturing environment where students:
• Engage in at least one physical activity
• Complete at least one hands-on activity
• Engage with peers in a positive, inclusive way
• Practice social skills and appropriate negotiation with both peers and adults
• Practice effective communication, including both verbal and non-verbal forms
• Maintain attention for short periods of time, focusing on peers, adults, and activities
• Interact with one of our beloved Ranch animals
• Participate in a group game outdoors
• Engage in at least one physical activity

To register your student for the SEED Social Group class, you will first place them on the pre-waitlist through the Active registration system.

Returning Students:

Families on the pre-waitlist will be contacted by the Sienna Ranch admin team regarding your registration.

New Students:

New families will be contacted by the admin team to schedule a tour of the ranch. This ensures the program is the right fit for your child. After the tour, we will finalize your registration and collect either a deposit or full payment.

Using Charter School Funds?

If you plan to use charter school funds for tuition, please visit our Homeschool Page for detailed instructions on how to purchase programs and use your vouchers.

Have Questions?

For more information about our programs, check out our FAQ Page for answers.

Lindsay Shannon has over 18 years of experience working with children ages 2-17 in a variety of settings, including schools, preschools, early intervention programs, daycares, IEPs, private family consulting, and outdoor education programs. Prior to specializing in Autism, Lindsay worked with teenagers with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED). Lindsay’s extensive experience includes, but is not limited to, creating behavior plans, developing self-help and school goals, providing parent and staff training, facilitating peer playdates, and writing ABA curriculum. She is skilled in behavior modification, designing teaching tools using a variety of visual and behavioral techniques, and teaching age-appropriate skills. Additionally, Lindsay supports home programs, PECS, school support, food flexibility, sleep issues, rigidity, and self-injurious behavior techniques. She also focuses on fostering joint attention, flexibility, and creating structure and predictability using visuals, as well as working on motor skills, speech/language, and OT and sensory regulation strategies. She has been leading the Sienna Ranch Social Group since 2016, helping students develop essential social skills and independence.

Some students have successfully transitioned from our SEED Social Group into other Sienna Ranch programs. If you think your student might benefit from exploring these opportunities, we recommend giving us a call to discuss your child’s learning needs and interests. Our team is here to assist you in finding the best fit and ensuring a smooth transition. We’ll work with you to identify the right program that supports your child’s growth and development before you sign up.