Carson Autism Center of Excellence (CACE)
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
To create a transformative learning community where every child—regardless of ability, diagnosis, or developmental challenge—discovers their God-given potential and thrives academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. CACE envisions a future where children with diverse learning needs are equipped to excel in school, flourish in life, and lead with confidence, purpose, and dignity.
Mission
CACE exists to provide world-class, individualized special education services that honor the uniqueness of every learner. Through small learning environments, research-based instruction, ABA and therapeutic support, structured classrooms, a UNIQUE curriculum tailored to diverse needs, parent education, and a Christ-centered foundation of love and excellence, we partner with families to build a bridge to growth—one student at a time.
We serve K–5 learners through academic instruction, behavioral support, speech and language services, 504 and dyslexia interventions, before- and after-school care, and transportation within a 10-mile radius, ensuring every child has access to the support they deserve.
Our Values
CACE Core Values That Guide Our Work:
1. Individuality
We honor the uniqueness of every learner and design instruction and supports that meet their strengths, needs, and developmental pathways.
2. Dignity & Respect
We treat every child as fearfully and wonderfully made, deserving of patience, compassion, and high expectations.
3. Excellence in Practice
We commit to small teacher-to-student ratios, structured environments, evidence-based interventions, and continuous improvement.
4. Family Partnership
We empower parents through education, collaboration, and transparent communication—because strong bridges between home and school change outcomes.
5. Inclusive Learning
We create environments where children with diverse needs learn, grow, and participate meaningfully alongside their peers.
6. Innovation & Adaptability
We develop and implement UNIQUE curriculum approaches that honor varied learning styles and support academic and behavioral success.
7. Safe & Supportive Environment
We protect the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of every child; structure and consistency are the backbone of growth.
8. Faith-Driven Service
We serve with love, integrity, and purpose, guided by Kingdom principles that uplift children and families.
9. Whole-Child Development
We attend to academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual needs so students can thrive beyond the classroom.
Meet the Team
Dr. Dana Carson
Chancellor
Dr. Shannon Parish
Program Director
David Johnson
Derunza Lawrence
CACE School Offerings
Specialized K–5 Education
CACE provides a highly structured, nurturing academic environment for students in grades K–5 with diverse learning needs. Our classrooms are intentionally designed with small student-to-teacher ratios, predictable routines, and individualized learning plans that support academic growth, communication skills, and social development.
Small Class Sizes & Specialized Instruction
CACE maintains intentionally small learning environments to ensure each student receives the attention, support, and instructional precision they need to thrive.
Features include:
• Low teacher-to-student ratios
• Individualized and small-group instruction
• Consistent routines and visual supports
• Behavior-sensitive classroom structures
• Personalized academic milestones
Smaller classes mean more connection, deeper understanding, and stronger progress.
ABA Therapy & Behavior Support
We offer on-site, integrated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to support communication, self-regulation, academics, and social development.
Our ABA offerings include:
• 1:1 ABA therapy
• Group social skills sessions
• Behavior Intervention Plan development & monitoring
• Functional behavior assessments
• Positive reinforcement systems
• Collaboration with teachers to support consistency across settings
Behavior support is woven into the school day so students can generalize skills in real time.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Developing Kingdom-centered business principles and entrepreneurial thinking from an early age.
We serve students with:
• Autism (mild to moderate)
• Learning disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Speech and language impairments
• Dyslexia
• Behavioral challenges requiring BIPs
• ADHD and executive functioning needs
• 504 accommodations
Our instructional model blends research-based strategies, sensory-friendly environments, hands-on learning, and faith-centered encouragement.
UNIQUE Curriculum for Diverse Learners
Our DISTINCTIVE curriculum—built specifically for diverse learners who benefit from structure and differentiated instruction—integrates:
• Multisensory reading and math programs
• Social-emotional learning
• Communication skills
• Executive functioning training
• Kingdom values and character development
• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Behavior reinforcement system
