Preschool ABA Readiness Program · Ages 2–6 · Los Angeles

Just got an autism diagnosis? Preschool isn’t your only option.

Momentum Academy’s center-based Preschool ABA program gives young children the self-regulation, communication, and classroom skills they need first — so when school starts, they’re ready to thrive in it, not just survive it.

Most major insurance and Medi-Cal accepted · Supervised by a doctorate-level BCBA · Vendored by Lanterman Regional Center

Momentum Academy therapist guiding a child across the balance beam

Ages 2–6

Early intervention years

Mon–Fri

8:30 AM – 6 PM

On-site gym

Movement built in

For parents of newly diagnosed children

Your child is the same amazing kid they were yesterday. Now you have choices.

After an autism or developmental diagnosis, many families are told to “find a preschool” or “start ABA” — and nobody explains that there’s a third path that combines both. A Preschool ABA program is a structured, therapeutic early-learning day, run by behavior analysts, designed around your child’s goals. For some children, it is the strongest first step before (or alongside) a traditional classroom.

Your options for a 2–5 year old after diagnosis

Typical preschool

Great peer models and routines. Usually one teacher for many children, with little room for therapy goals, sensory needs, or behavior support.

Best for: children already comfortable in groups

In-home ABA

One-on-one teaching in a familiar place. Harder to practice group skills, peer play, and the classroom routines school will expect.

Best for: early skill building at home

School district preschool

Available from age 3 through your district’s IEP process. Placement, class size, and support level vary widely by school.

Best for: families ready to start the IEP path

The Momentum way

Center-based Preschool ABA

A preschool-style day built by behavior analysts: individualized 1:1 teaching, small-group practice, peer play, and a sensory gym — with a clear plan for moving into school.

Best for: kids who need more support to be ready

Not sure which fits? That’s exactly what our free consultation is for — we’ll be honest if another option is a better match.

The Momentum way

Three pillars that set our Preschool ABA program apart

1. Self-Regulation First

A child who is dysregulated can’t learn. We teach calm before we teach colors.

  • Movement-based regulation in our on-site gymnastics space — swinging, jumping, and heavy work used on purpose
  • Visual schedules and timers so transitions stop being battles
  • Teaching children to ask for a break, help, or space with words, signs, or devices
  • Emotion vocabulary and coping tools practiced daily, then shared with parents

2. Individualized Plans

No two children get the same program — because no two children are the same.

  • A full skills assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst before day one
  • Goals written with you, around what matters most to your family
  • Progress data collected every session and reviewed by the clinical team
  • Supervision by a BCBA who holds a Doctorate in Behavior Analysis

3. School Readiness Protocol

We don’t just hope your child is ready for school. We plan for it, step by step.

  • Real classroom routines: circle time, lining up, table work, cleanup
  • A gradual shift from 1:1 teaching to learning in a small group
  • Self-help skills: handwashing, snack time, toileting, managing belongings
  • Transition support: sharing progress with your child’s future school or IEP team

A day at Momentum

It looks like preschool. It works like therapy.

Every part of the day is a chance to practice a goal — and every goal is practiced in the same kinds of moments your child will meet at school, at the park, and at home.

Children playing together with a parachute during group time at Momentum Academy

1

Arrival & check-in

Greeting, putting away belongings, and a calm start with a visual schedule.

2

Circle time

Songs, calendar, and following group directions — the core of classroom readiness.

3

Gym & movement block

Adaptive gymnastics for coordination, body awareness, turn-taking, and regulation.

4

Snack & self-help

Requesting, opening containers, handwashing, and cleanup.

5

Learning centers

1:1 and small-group teaching: communication, pre-academics, fine motor, and play skills.

6

Peer play & goodbye

Guided play with friends, then a daily update for parents at pickup.

Is Preschool ABA the right fit for my child?

It may be the best next step if your child:

  • Was recently diagnosed with autism or a developmental delay
  • Has a hard time with transitions, waiting, or big emotions
  • Isn’t yet using words or gestures to ask for what they need
  • Was asked to leave, or struggled in, a preschool or daycare
  • Loves to move, climb, and jump — and learns best through play
  • Will start TK, kindergarten, or a district program in the next year or two
  • Only at Momentum Academy

    A real gymnastics space

    Movement isn’t a reward at the end of the day — it’s part of how children learn and regulate.

    25 years of experience

    Founder Eric Amundson has supported children with special needs since 2001.

    PEERS® for Preschoolers

    A next step in social skills through the research-backed program developed at UCLA.

    A path that grows with your child

    Social skills, gymnastics, yoga, cooking, and camp — a community long after preschool.

    “This place has been life-changing for our family. The blend of therapy, movement, and social connection has given my child confidence and a true sense of belonging.”

    — Alejandro Jimenez, Momentum Academy parent

    Getting started is simpler than you think

    We’ll handle the insurance paperwork and walk you through every step. We respond within one business day.

    01

    Free consultation

    Tell us about your child. Bring your diagnosis report if you have it.

    02

    Tour the center

    See the classroom and gym, and meet the team who would work with your child.

    03

    Benefits & assessment

    We verify coverage and our BCBA completes your child’s assessment.

    04

    First day

    Your child starts with a plan built just for them — and you get updates every step.

    Insurance we accept

    Medi-Cal logo
    L.A. Care logo
    Aetna logo
    Anthem Blue Cross logo
    Blue Shield of California logo
    Cigna logo
    Kaiser Permanente logo
    Tricare West logo
    Beacon Health logo

    Preschool ABA: questions parents ask us

    My child was just diagnosed with autism. What should I do first?

    Take a breath — you don’t need every answer today. Early intervention matters, so a good next step is a consultation with an ABA provider to learn what your child’s insurance covers and which setting fits best. You can also contact your local regional center and school district to learn about additional services.

    What is a Preschool ABA program?

    It’s center-based Applied Behavior Analysis therapy delivered in a preschool-style day. Children work on communication, self-regulation, play, and self-help goals through structured routines, 1:1 teaching, and small-group learning, all overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

    Is Preschool ABA instead of preschool?

    It can be. Some families choose it in place of a traditional preschool for a period of time; others combine it with part-time preschool. Our goal is always to prepare your child for the least restrictive classroom they can succeed in.

    What ages do you serve?

    Our Preschool ABA Readiness Program serves children ages 2 to 6.

    Does insurance cover Preschool ABA?

    ABA therapy is often covered by insurance and Medi-Cal for children with an autism diagnosis. We accept many major plans and will verify your benefits before your child starts.

    How many hours a week will my child attend?

    Hours are based on your child’s assessment and insurance authorization. We’ll recommend a schedule that fits your child’s needs and your family. 

    How are parents involved?

    You’re part of the team. We set goals together, share progress regularly, and coach you on strategies so the skills your child learns here carry over at home.

    The earliest years matter most. Let’s make them count.

    Limited spots in our Preschool ABA Readiness Program.

    Momentum Academy · 2431 Eads St, Los Angeles, CA 90031 · Frogtown (Elysian Valley), near Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Village & Los Feliz · [email protected]

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    Announcing Our Preschool Readiness Program!

    Now Enrolling: Preschool ABA Readiness Program! Our new center-based program for ages 2–6 builds the self-regulation, communication, and classroom skills kids need before school starts, using 1:1 teaching, small-group learning, and movement in our on-site gym. Each child gets an individualized plan supervised by a doctorate-level BCBA, and most major insurance plans and Medi-Cal are accepted.

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