LEAP Preschool Model

People often ask me what my favorite Peer Social Routine is in LEAP Classrooms.

Without a doubt, its Snack Captains. There are lots of different ways to do it so no matter if you have a school or classroom provided snack/meal or kids bring their own, there's always a way! It just takes creativity and planning.

It's that time again. We're back in Florida for our annual Pyramid Model Implementation Conference.

Summary - NTI 2026 - Addressing Challenging Behavior

In Celebration of World Autism Awareness Day we send our thanks and gratitude to all the Teachers, Paras, SLPs, OTs, PTs and Administrators that have made the LEAP Model one of the most recognized comprehensive treatments models for autistic children.

Additionally, we Cheer and Celebrate the autistic individuals, their families and all children that have attended LEAP classrooms and the amazing accomplishments they have made over 45 years of LEAP Implementation.

Recently LEAP (and Dr. Strain) lost a dear friend and a man that was deeply committed to the welfare of children and families. Matt Timm and Phil were colleagues (and partners in crime) for over 5 decades and their work together at the Regional Intervention Program (RIP) in Tennessee laid the groundwork for what would become the LEAP Model.

Thank You for your years of dedication and leadership!

Matthew Timm Obituary - Brentwood, TN Celebrate the life of Matthew Timm, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Neptune Society.

Wishing all our dedicated Teachers, Assistants, Administrators and related Service Providers a Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for all your hard work and the impact you have on the children and families you serve.

Thank You!

We're off to DEC in Portland, Oregon for two sessions on Thursday with Tim Andrews from our partners at Multnomah Early Childhood Programs (MECP).
Session 2

We're off to DEC in Portland, Oregon for two sessions on Thursday with Tim Andrews from our partners at Multnomah Early Childhood Programs (MECP).
Session 1

Off to

We hope you'll join us for our session:

The LEAP Preschool Inclusion Model: 40 Years of Implementation, Fidelity, Scale-Up and Outcomes

Wednesday 4/23/25
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM ET
Grand Salon E
Speakers: Ted Bovey, Phil Strain

Dr. Phil Strain and Ted Bovey have a new initiative they are launching with colleagues Lisa Grotting and Jeanett Sealy to support states, districts and programs with the implementation, scale-up and sustainability of Inclusion in Pre-K to Grade 3.

The Preschool/Pre-K work will continue to center around our LEAP Preschool Model work.
Here's a link to our new website:

Pre-K to Grade 3 Inclusion Partners - Pre-K to Grade 3 Inclusion Partners “Providing expert, step-by-step guidance to build an effective and sustainable system of high-quality inclusion for children with and without developmental disabilities.” Our services are designed to increase inclusive opportunities for all children, align instructional practices from Pre-K thro...

Hello Everyone,

As we often say in our trainings, sometimes you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Well, that applies to us as well.

Effective immediately all LEAP Preschool Model training and coaching activities will be directed through the Institute for Racial Equity and Excellence.

We are very much looking forward to this new, exciting partnership and we look forward to continuing to support all our partner districts, teachers and coaches in the years to come.

Have a Great Summer!
the LEAP Preschool Model Team

We are so excited for the 24th annual International Early Childhood Inclusion with UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute