Intensive Program FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Intensive Program:
1. What is the goal of the Intensive Program?
The goal is to cover a concentrated version of our curriculum at the Brain Highways Center over a very short period of time. Doing so makes it possible for families who do not live in San Diego County to have a similar experience as those who participate in the local program.
2. Does the Intensive Program cover both the pons and midbrain curriculum?
It depends on how far the kids progress during the time that they are here. Note that it is not in the child’s best interest to begin the midbrain activities until at least 50% of the pons is developed. So while we always cover the entire pons curriculum during the Intensive Program, about only half the participants do some of the midbrain curriculum. In cases where participants are not ready to begin the midbrain curriculum while they’re here, we show our key midbrain activities to their parents before they leave. We also provide them with a guideline for when they would initiate those activities with their children once they’ve returned home.
3. Are any of the Brain Highways enrichment curriculums also included in the Intensive Program?
Yes. Since it’s easy to do the core brain work while engaging in intriguing science experiments, we incorporate much of our science program into various Intensive Program sessions. We also do some activities from the Brain Highways Spelling program.
4. Who might benefit from participating in the Intensive Program?
Sometimes the dynamics between a child and parent are such that the parent prefers to have the Brain Highways staff be the initial lead facilitators of the pons curriculum. For these families, the Intensive Program nicely catapults the child towards the long-term goal of organizing his brain. Such parents then feel confident to continue with the program once they return home.
5. Do participants in the Intensive Program get the same results as those who participate in the local program?
Yes. The only difference is that Intensive Program participants cover the curriculum material in a shorter period of time.
6. How many days are participants in town to do the Intensive Program?
They are here for a total of 10 days.
7. How many times a day do Intensive Program participants come to the Brain Highways Center for a session?
On most days, participants come twice a day to the Center, with one session scheduled in the morning and the other scheduled in the early afternoon. On two days, participants also join the local class participants at our regularly scheduled Drop-in sessions. On the Saturday that participants are in town, there are no scheduled sessions at the Brain Highways Center.
8. How long is each Intensive Program session?
Sessions vary from 45-60 minutes long.
9. How many kids are in an Intensive Program?
We like to keep the number very low so that we can give very personalized attention. The absolute maximum is six kids.
10. Do parents also attend the Intensive Program?
Yes. Parents are also learning the entire time they are here.
11. What kind of support do parents receive?
Parents receive:
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a wealth of handouts that review and reiterate themes presented during the sessions
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the Adventure Trails CD (includes short, easy-to-read articles on lower brain development and simple activities to do at home)
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the Brain Highways Spelling CD
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on-going support, as needed, during each session of the Intensive Program
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one session where parents receive answers to specific questions (while other staff works with their kids)
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an individual plan for continuing at home
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on-going support once at home (questions are answered via emails)
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on-going assessment once at home (parents email video clips of their children doing the brain work so that we can give feedback and suggest changes that reflect current stage of development)
12. In addition to the sessions at the Brain Highways Center, what is the daily time requirement for completing the brain work?
Participants are required to do another hour of the brain work each day that they are in town. Such work is done on their own time. Not only does this requirement give parents the opportunity to practice being the facilitator, but is also ensures more brain development while the child is here. Note that the hour-a-day requirement can be split into two or three separate sessions throughout the day.
13. Can siblings (who are not enrolled in the Intensive Program) come to the sessions?
While we understand how that would be convenient, it is not in the best interest of the child who is enrolled (one more possible distraction) or of the siblings who have to watch all the fun without having a chance to participate. So if siblings are also coming to town, parents need to make other childcare arrangements for them for the times the enrolled child is at the Brain Highways Center.
14. Is there time for families to do other vacation-like activities while participating in the Intensive Program?
Yes. There is usually a three to four hour break between the morning and afternoon sessions. Also, with the exception of two days, participants do not return to the Brain Highways Center after their afternoon session. This makes it possible to engage in other activities in the evening, as well. Last, there are no sessions scheduled at the Brain Highways Center on the Saturday of the 10-day program. That provides a big block of time to have some vacation fun.
15. When is the Intensive Program offered?
We offer this program during the summer months. Sometimes we also offer an Intensive Program during the school year. Families who may be interested in participating in the Intensive Program should email contact@brainhighways.com to learn exact dates of upcoming Intensive Program sessions.
16. How much does the Intensive Program cost?
$950 (covers one child and two parents—although only one parent needs to attend). Participants pay a deposit of $475 (which is half of the Intensive Program fee) at the time of enrollment. The remaining balance ($475) is due on the first day of the program.
17. What is included in that cost?
The fee covers approximately 13 hours of sessions at the Brain Highways Center, support handouts, the Adventure Trails and Spelling CD, on-going assessment and support while participating in the Intensive Program in San Diego and after returning home. Participants get access to online video, audio and handouts for use before, during and after their session in San Diego.
18. Are there any other Brain Highways Centers in other cities?
No. The Brain Highways Center in Encinitas, California is the only one of its kind.
19. How do participants enroll in the Intensive Program?
