The Group-Based Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM ) is an approach developed at La Trobe university for delivering ESDM in group based programs. By implementing the G-ESDM children can receive treatment within existing community programs; the group environment provides them with opportunities to participate in cooperative play activities with peers and to initiate communication with peers. Furthermore it allows for targeting educational goals in the social domains.
The G-ESDM Manual (available here) was published at 2017 as part of the cooperation between La Trobe university and Prof. Rogers own team, Dr. Giacomo Vivanti and Dr. Cynthia Zierhut Ursu who joined the Australian program to lead the research and implementation of a group based ESDM program, The outcomes of this program have been reported in a number of scientific publications.
It is our goal at the Early Days Autism Center (EDAC) to implement and support programs using G-ESDM in community centers in the Sacramento and Bay Area and to create partnerships with similar G-ESDM programs around the world. We believe that peers are the best models for the child in social interactions, rather than the adult, as for any other child.
EDAC current G-ESDM projects include:
G-ESDM Demonstration & Inclusive Classrooms in El Cerrito, El Dorado Hills (June 2022) and Orange County (2023).
G-ESDM Training – next workshop online April 10, 2022 https://www.paneecioccolata.com/wp2/prodotto/group-early-start-denver-model-introductory-online-workshop/
Parent Coaching (P-ESDM) play groups– Evidenced based parent coaching on the ESDM strategies. The group setting allows parents to share and learn together and to establish community connections. The children enjoy group activities and peer play while parents support their play.
The groups are currently running in the Sacramento and Bay Area.
Inclusion programs in existing community pre-schools– In the program, children with ASD joined one of the pre-school classes like every other student; they are accompanied by an interventionist (IA- Instructional assistant) who helps them by mediating daily routines and help them play with their peers and practice social skills. The child participates in all of the activities alongside the other children in their class. The IA or the class teacher are utilizing small play group to create learning opportunities for children’s in inclusive setting. The small group can be controlled and specially fitted to match child needs and personal developmental goals.