Brighter Future Academy Foundation
Brighter Future Academy Foundation (BFAF) is a non-profit organization that provides
therapy-based education for children ages 4 to 12 with a diagnosis or signs of autism spectrum
disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, and other
behavioral concerns. BFAF operates from 7:30 A.M to 12:30 P.M from Monday to Friday at
Mozartstraat 11, Oranjestad, Aruba.
Brighter Future Academy (BFA) is the educational branch of BFAF that addresses each
student’s special educational needs through the scientific application of Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) methodology, and access to a highly differentiated and
individualized curriculum. We work on language and communication, motor skills, social and
emotional skills, and academic skills, and reduce inappropriate behavior while increasing
appropriate behaviors.
BFA’s program consists of a core curriculum by Imagine learning, a leading provider of
online and blended learning solutions, and informal learning activities that are locally designed
according to the needs and interests of the students. The programs are adapted based on each
student’s level, capacities, and abilities. We are working together with a team of professionals,
including speech and language therapist , occupational therapist,
GZ psychologist, and educational therapist.
During morning school programs, we follow a daily schedule that rotates group activities,
therapy sessions (1:1 teaching sessions), digital learning, naturalistic approaches, circle time,
arts/crafts/music/etc., lunch, and free time/access to reinforcers/break. Throughout the day, we
focus on students increasing communication, working on independence, and decreasing
maladaptive behaviors. A student will work directly with a supporting therapist, and the
educational therapist and behavior therapist will oversee all programming, supervise sessions
weekly, and update treatment plans. The ABA school has six individual rooms that accommodate
five children each, with one leader and interns. We currently have a total of 30 children. There is
a small room that is used for therapy. There is also a small sensory room for any child that needs
a calming space. Children receive therapy between 10-12:30 pm by occupational, physical,
behavior, and/or speech therapist if needed.
Some children come to BFA for a short period of time to work on specific skills, to
transition back into Aruba’s regular education system. Some children will stay at BFA until they
are 12 years of age.
Mission
We improve the quality of life for children and families affected by autism, ADHD/ADD, down syndrome, developmental delays, and other behavior challenges. We provide strength-based, child and family centered therapies and education, using Applied Behavior Analysis andUniversal Learning Design. We support our children to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. We help our children and families to live more integrated and fulfilling lives in the community.


We Achieve This By
- Motivating all to learn through relevant, reinforcing, and exciting activities in a caring
environment. - Building self-esteem, empowering all to become respected and valued citizens, and
ensuring equality and inclusion. - Working closely with parents, caregivers, siblings, schools, agencies, and the community
to ensure consistent and effective practice. - Providing training and courses for all our staff.
Overall core values: Dignity ∙ Respect ∙ Empathy ∙ Teamwork ∙ Compassion ∙ Patience ∙
Support ∙ Hope ∙ Belief
Vision
We envision a world where all children are valued for their strengths, not their deficits, and where all families have the service and support, they need to thrive. We ensure our students reach their full potential in a safe, secure, motivating, and fun environment.

Additional information:
Centro di Education Special (CEDES) was a foundation in Aruba that provided therapy-
based education to children with developmental delays (ranging from autism to down syndrome)
since 2006. The education program was tailored to the personal and individual needs of each
child, both cognitive and behavioral. CEDES was a safety net for many parents who wanted to
provide special education to their children in Aruba, as there were few other educational
opportunities for these children. However, in June 2022, CEDES announced that they had to
close the school by July 15, 2022, due to financial challenges. This left 25 children without a
school and without the chance for further development and growth. This was unacceptable, as
every child has the right to receive proper education. The parents of the children who lost their
school united and sought help from Mrs. Uleike Tromp, a behavior therapist from Brighter
Future Aruba, who had been working with special needs children for 15 years. Brighter Future
Aruba had been offering home based school program, one on one and small group therapy for
11 years. This led to the establishment of the foundation “Brighter Future Academy Foundation”
(BFAF) on September 22, 2022. The board members are president Uleike Tromp, Secretary
Miraila de Cuba, Treasurer Melissa Figaroa, active volunteer Sonaly Fernandez, and active
volunteer Carine Solognier.
What is our unique value proposition?
We are the only foundation in Aruba that provides therapy-based education to children with developmental
delays using Applied Behavior Analysis and Universal Learning Design, which are evidence-based
and effective methods. We offer individualized and small group support to help our children
learn to be independent and achieve their full potential, rather than following a one-size-fits-all
approach. We have a team of experienced and qualified behavior therapists, educators, and
volunteers who are passionate and dedicated to improving the quality of life for our children and
families. We have a strong network of partnerships with other schools, professional agencies,
and the community, which enables us to provide comprehensive and holistic service and support
to our children and families.
How do we measure our impact and success?
What are the specific goals, objectives, and
indicators that we use to evaluate our performance and progress? We use a results-based
management framework to measure our impact and success. We have a clear vision and mission
statement that guides our strategic planning and decision making. We have specific and
measurable goals and objectives that align with our vision and mission, such as increasing the
enrollment and retention of our children, improving their academic and behavioral outcomes,
and enhancing their social and emotional well-being. We use various indicators and tools to
monitor and evaluate our performance and progress, such as standardized tests, surveys,
feedback forms, interviews, observations, and reports. We regularly review and analyze the data
and information collected, and use them to improve our quality and effectiveness, and to report
our impact and success to our stakeholders.