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Enroll Your Child for 2023-24 School Year

The Victory Center

The Victory Center, Inc. is a Florida-based, 501(c)(3) non-sectarian nonprofit corporation that provides children with autism and related disabilities comprehensive individualized treatment. It was founded in 2000 by Barry and Judi Nelson, the parents of a child with autism who found themselves frustrated by the lack of appropriate educational opportunities for their son. After trying public schools and private schools, they found the only effective program was Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In 2011, The Victory Center became accredited by Cognia (previously known as AdvancED | Measured Progress).

View our 990 Form for 2019

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Why We’re Different

We focus on comprehensive individualized programs with a 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 student/teacher ratio, in a classroom setting that is unique in Southeast Florida. Most children with autism and their families do not have access to tailored, research-based programs.

We provide intensive therapy based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), in particular those associated with B.F. Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. This form of therapy is typically provided to children with autism in home-based programs. ABA is a scientifically proven, systematic approach to the assessment, treatment and evaluation of behavior, developing functional life skills, nurturing a greater command of language, and decreasing maladaptive behavior such as self-injury and aggression.

The Victory Center combines this highly effective intensive training with frequent opportunities for facilitated social interactions within its own classrooms or with the typical preschool on campus. Progress is measured at regular intervals and our daily goal is to help our students and their families reach their highest potential.

  • Full day, year-round school program
  • Rolling enrollment (Join any time of year!)
  • Providing ABA in a classroom setting
  • Rated among the Top Schools for Autism in U.S.

Our History

The Victory Center was founded in 2000 by Barry and Judi Nelson, the parents of a child with Autism who found themselves frustrated by the lack of appropriate educational opportunities for their son. After trying public schools and private schools they found the only effective program was Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) conducted one to one. With the encouragement of their friend, Dr. Michael Alessandri, the Director of the University of Miami Center For Autism and Related Disabilities, the Nelsons formed a Board of Directors, established a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, located space and opened with four students.

Today, the center has grown to include six programs: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) and Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI), Pre-Academy, Academy, the Vocational Program, Adult Program, Summer Program and Respite/Community Programs which include Aftercare and weekend activities. In addition to the 1:1 student/teacher ratio, The Victory Center has implemented both 2:1 and 3:1 student/teacher ratios, enabling more students on the spectrum to receive educational services.

Meet our Board of Directors

View a list of The Victory Center’s published research

Autism Research

The Victory Center is uniquely positioned to conduct research on autism and ABA interventions through collaborations with local universities. Several studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national ABA conferences. The Victory Center has served as a research site to evaluate the following topics:

  • Effectiveness of video prompting strategies for teaching individuals with autism
  • Response Redirection research
  • Functional analysis of variables influencing prompt dependent behavior
  • Effects of Differential Reinforcement on Independent Responding in an Early Intervention Classroom
  • Progressive Ratio Schedules to Increase Functional Play

Alumni Spotlight

Logan

Logan attends Central Arkansas Christian School. He currently has a 3.5 G.P.A. He plays piano and electric guitar. He is also on the basketball team at school. He loves kayaking and fishing.

Georgina

Georgina is in 6th Grade at Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center in Miami Beach. She participates in the gifted program for Language Arts and Math. In 2007 she received the President`s Education Award.

Zachary

Zachary now attends Hollywood Central Elementary Kindergarten. No Shadow Needed. He is currently receiving above average grades!

Join our growing team of ABA Teachers

Experience the satisfaction of knowing your work can help students with Autism & Related Disabilities gain functional and meaningful skills to achieve greater independence.