I AM SMART S-COOL! began as a very small agency for children with autism with only 5 clients in January 2013. Since opening, we have grown into a much larger program that consists of multi-level classrooms and spaces for individualized therapies and supports.
Over time, we have come to realize that not only do students with ASD benefit from our ABA-based curriculum but regularly developing children do as well, allowing us to have a very diverse classroom.
At I AM SMART S-COOL!, faculty work collaboratively to create a rich environment where children’s’ interests are valued and explored. The daily life in school focuses on each child as an active, competent learner drawing on their abilities and interests while stimulating new learning and curiosity. Our core curriculum pays attention to the growth and development of each child through their Individualized Learning Plan.
We focus on using creative thinking and logical reasoning for skill development, allowing them to take the skills they learned in the classroom and use them in the outside world. Our lessons are based on Ontario Curriculum standards using methods based heavily on ABA principles. The staff consists of teachers certified with the Ontario College of Teachers, Early Childhood Educators and therapists trained specifically in ABA therapy.
In today’s world, every child thinks and learns differently, so we provide each student with multiple forms of instruction and are given opportunities to explore many different concepts using technology and the latest evidence-based practices.
Our hybrid model of one on one and in a group Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy and Creative Thinking Skills development.
Also…
Founder and Director
Olessia Kotko is the founder and director of IAMSS Inc., an ABA-based facility where both direct one-on-one intervention, and group learning are done in various locations throughout the GTA. IAMSS also has an Ontario Certified private school that utilizes ABA-based methods for teaching, while closely following Ontario Curriculum Standards. Olessia is also an author of a poem for kids called “I Am Smart,” that she wrote to explain to kids that all of us have different abilities and we should respect that.
Olessia holds a Ph.D. in Education from Moscow State Regional University (https://mgou.ru/en/) with a specialization in elementary education. She worked as an associate professor at Belgorod State University (https://www.bsu.edu.ru/en/) from 1996 – 2003. Olessia became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2013 after which she opened her private practice. At that time, I Am Smart S-Cool (IAMSS) had 5 registered clients and no additional staff. Currently, IAMSS is employing over 20 staff to help provide services to over 50 clients to help them reach their maximum potential and become active members of society.
Our very competent team of teachers and ABA therapists strive to focus on each and every child, monitor and mentor them, recognize their accomplishments and inspire them to overcome shortcomings.
Clinical Supervisor BCBA, Master of Science in Psychology focused on Behavioural Science.
Senior Therapist Baku State University George Brown College, “Autism and Behaviour Science” program.
Lead ABA Therapist, Kindergarten Classroom Supervisor
Degree in Psychology and Child Development Studies with a Minor in Sociology and a specialization in Social Work from the University of Waterloo.
Lead ABA Therapist, Muli-grades Classroom Supervisor 2014-2017 Graduate of Behavioural Science at George Brown College 2018-2020 Bachelors of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Capilano University.
Primary Class Teacher Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Professional Graduate Diploma in Education in the Primary/Junior Division from the University of the West of Scotland. Ontario Certified Teacher.
Junior Class ABA Therapist Bachelor Degree from the University of Guelph - Humber.
Primary Class ABA Therapist Bachelor Degree from the University of Guelph - Humber.
Instructor Therapist Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from York University.
Instructor Therapist Bachelor Degree in Clinical Psychology from F.U.M University.Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Science from Seneca College.
These are the absolute necessary ingredients of our teaching methodology.
We don’t force children to learn; however, on the basis of their most powerful reinforcers, encourage completing level-appropriate tasks. We also believe that each and every child deserves to be praised for a very small step in the right direction.
Our students use every minute of their time at “I AM SMART S-COOL!” for learning and development due to our highly structured and creative routine. In our learning-enriched, stress-free and friendly environment, children demonstrate their talents exceptionally well!
We pride ourselves on being able to provide excellent references wen as me great results of our work.
We are strongly convinced that stress is the enemy of successful learning. Thus, we created a truly friendly environment where any child feels comfortable and welcome.