Project EXCEED (Excellence in Collaborative Education & Early Development)  & Ruth Staples Child Development Lab will be accepting applications for young children with an educational verification or medical diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder to take part in a research, teaching and service project as part of the Ruth Staples Child Development program.  Participating children receive research-based individualized instruction and opportunities to practice critical early social, communication and behavioral skills while participating in a high-quality early childhood program.

For the 2010-11 academic year, Project EXCEED is accepting applications for children between the ages of 18 months-3 years of age. The program takes place Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. from August 23rd 2010 through April 29th 2011.  The Ruth Staples child development program is a full-day program (7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). Participating families will be responsible for partial tuition costs (see application for details).  Project EXCEED participants will be required to attend during the morning hours (7:30-12:30) and parents/guardians may choose whether their children continue to participate in the Ruth Staples child development program in the afternoon.

Space for participants is limited. Children and families who are selected will be invited to join Project EXCEED and to voluntarily make a decision whether to participate or not participate. Direct questions to  Laura Maddox via email at autismproject@unl.edu or by phone at 402-472-2121.  Download an application here.