2019 NSU Fact book

90 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY The mission of NSU’s Mailman Segal Center for Human Development (MSC) is to enhance the quality of life for children and families. Innovative, evidence-based clinical and educational programs emphasize best practices in the areas of early childhood, autism, and infant mental health. The center is located at the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village 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 educational programs and clinical services 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 and services for families and children. More than 300 children are enrolled in the Family Center preschool and infant and toddler programs, which provide evidence-based educational programming for young children. MSC’s early childhood programs are nation- ally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Highly trained teachers and professionals employ a unique curriculum framework rooted in constructivist theory, where children are viewed as active participants in their learning to ignite curiosity and investigation. The Parenting Place TM provides families and young children with parent/child classes, parenting work- shops and coaching, and family advocacy. Addi- tionally, specialized programs focusing on children with special needs are oered to the community. Through numerous grants and research projects, the early learning programs support the develop- ment of new and innovative educational models and theoretical approaches based on research evidence. They also serve as a professional training site for NSU’s undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral residents. AUTISM INSTITUTE The Mailman Segal Center has a long history of serving indi- viduals with autism and their families. The Autism Institute fosters cutting-edge research, educates professionals, and promotes best practices through interdisciplinary collaborations with university-based faculty members. The Baudhuin Preschool is an internationally recog- nized, model program for children three to five years old with autism spectrum disorder. The preschool serves more than 135 children through a partnership with the School Board of Broward County. The Kapila Family Foundation Starting Right Program is a caregiver-and-child class for children 18 to 36 months old who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for, autism and related disorders. MSC also houses The Academy, which oers a private, tuition- based program for children three to six years old with autism spectrum disorder. Access Plus is a college support program for academ- ically capable students with autism spectrum disorder who are admitted to NSU through the traditional admissions process. Access Plus 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 is also housed at the Mailman Segal Center. It includes representatives from numerous fields of study in the university—including osteopathic medi- cine, health care, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, education, psychology, and family therapy—who collaborate in the development and implementation of projects in the study of autism. The Autism Consortium provides individualized training, consultation, and system support to school districts throughout the United States to train professionals in the field and improve the quality of life for individuals with autism across the spectrum, across age spans, and across levels of functioning. Colleges and Academic Centers Mailman Segal Center for Human Development