Verbal Behavior Associates

VBAs language development curriculum and instructional programs are based on the Verbal Behavior Development Theory (VBDT) pioneered by Dr. R. Douglas Greer and colleagues out of Columbia University. The VBDT, in short, provides a behavioral- based account of language development that outlines a sequence of critical behavioral cusps necessary for i... nitial language acquisition and subsequent development of more complex social repertoires. Behavioral psychologists in developmental psychology use the terms behavioral developmental cusp to refer to critical developmental milestones that when acquired, result in significant changes in the environment and learning opportunities that an individual could not contact prior to acquisition of the cusp. Take, for example, walking. Once a child is able to walk, his world suddenly expands, as he is able to see, do, and explore more of his environment. All of these new opportunities set the stage for learning new skills and shaping behavior Verbal Behavior Associates language intervention programs are designed to induce behavior cusps related to language acquisition and development (verbal behavior cusps). Specifically, our programs aim to teach skills under the appropriate motivational conditions, and for a particular type of reinforcer; in doing so, we dont just teach a child to talk, we teach the child to want to talk. In addition, Verbal Behavior Associates focuses not simply on what children learn, but more importantly, how they learn. Children cannot rely on direct instruction for all the skills they will need to know; they must be able to learn in various ways, through observing others or simply through exposure to new things happening in their environment. VBA implements instructional protocols to induce these learning repertoires for children who are missing them, increasing their chances of success across various types of environments. We strongly believe that the student is always right. All children are capable of learning, and as teachers, we need to adapt our ...Read More