2017 Fact Book

72 T he mission of Nova Southeastern University’s MailmanSegalCenter forHumanDevelopment is to enhance the quality of life for children and families through multidisciplinary research, academics, and service. Innovative, evidence-based, clinical, and educational programs emphasize best practices in early childhood, autism, and family science and provide academic and training opportunities for students, professionals, and the greater community. The center is located at the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village, situated on five acres of the Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. The 110,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art complex houses the center’s programs and provides professional training for students, faculty members, and researchers through observations, practicums, internships, and postdoctoral opportunities. Early Childhood Institute At the core of the Mailman Segal Center are its expansive parenting and early childhood programs. Families with children from birth to five years old participate in a wide range of classes and support programs. More than 300 children participate in the nationally accredited Family Center Preschool and Infant & Toddler Programs. These programs utilize the trademarked 5C Curriculum Framework providing evidence-based educational programming for young children. The Parenting Place provides programs and services for children and their families through parent/ child classes, parenting support, and family advocacy. Programs include play-based classes, educational workshops, and parent coaching. Additionally, specialized support groups and programs with a focus on families with children with special needs are offered to the community. Through numerous grants and research projects, the programs support the development of new and innovative educational models, create appropriate environments to field test new approaches, and serve as training sites for NSU’s undergraduate and graduate students. Autism Institute The Mailman Segal Center has a long history of serving individuals with autism and their families. The Autism Institute fosters cutting-edge research, educates professionals, and promotes evidence-based practices through collaborative interdisciplinary activities. The Baudhuin Preschool is an internationally recognized, model program for children with autism spectrum disorder that serves more than 135 children through a partnership with the School Board of Broward County. The Starting Right Program is a caregiver-child program for younger children (18–36 months) who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for, autism and related disorders. MSC also houses The Academy, which offers a private, tuition-based program for children with autism spectrum disorder. Access Plus is a college support program for academically capable students with autism spectrum disorder, who are admitted to NSU through the traditional admissions process. For an additional fee, these students receive an individualized program of support to help build their independence, support their participation across campus life, and provide the structure needed to foster academic achievement. NSU’s Interdisciplinary Council for the Study of Autism (ICSA) is also housed at the Mailman Segal Center. It includes representatives from throughout the university. Individuals from the fields of osteopathic medicine, health care, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, education, psychology, and family therapy meet on a regular basis to develop and implement collaborative projects in the study of autism. The Autism Consortium provides individualized training, consultation, and system support to school districts throughout the United States to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism across the spectrum, across age spans, and across levels of functioning. Mailman Segal Center for Human Development