Educational Resources for Families in South Central Pennsylvania
Navigating the world of educational resources can feel overwhelming, especially for families with special needs children. South Central Pennsylvania, including Franklin and Cumberland Counties, offers a wealth of opportunities tailored to support children of all abilities. This guide covers schools, programs, libraries, toy stores, and STEM activities to help your family thrive.
1. Best Schools and Educational Programs for Special Needs Kids
Private Schools:
- New Story Schools
Locations: Harrisburg, Carlisle, and other areas.
Offers individualized education plans (IEPs) and therapeutic services for children with autism and developmental disabilities. - The Vista School
Location: Hershey, PA
Focuses on ABA therapy and evidence-based instruction for children with autism, helping them achieve personal and educational milestones. - The Janus School
Location: Mount Joy, PA
Specializes in teaching children with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD, offering small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Public School Programs:
- Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 (LIU 12)
Service Area: Franklin County and nearby regions.
Provides special education services, early intervention, and support programs in collaboration with local school districts. - Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU)
Service Area: Cumberland County and nearby areas.
Offers programs and services for students with disabilities, working alongside public schools to meet individual needs. - Special Education Programs in Local School Districts
Many districts, including Mechanicsburg Area, Carlisle, and Chambersburg, offer robust special education services with IEPs tailored to individual student needs.
Tutoring and Supplemental Programs:
- LearningRx
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Cognitive skills training to improve focus, memory, and learning abilities. - Sylvan Learning of Chambersburg
Location: Chambersburg, PA
Personalized tutoring services accommodating various learning disabilities. - The Dyslexia and Learning Center
Location: Lancaster, PA
Offers one-on-one tutoring for children with dyslexia and other learning differences using proven methods like Orton-Gillingham.
2. Homeschooling Tips for Special Needs Families
Legal Requirements in Pennsylvania:
Homeschooling requires submitting an affidavit to the local school district, maintaining a portfolio, and providing an annual evaluation. For special needs children, families may need to collaborate with certified special education professionals.
Local Resources:
- CHAP (Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania)
Provides legal guidance, resources, and support for homeschooling families, including those with special needs children. - PEAC (Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition)
Promotes inclusive homeschooling, offering resources and training for families.
Community Groups:
- South Central PA Homeschoolers
A Facebook group connecting homeschooling families for advice, resources, and meetups. - Cumberland County Homeschoolers
Local groups organizing field trips, co-op classes, and activities for homeschooling families, including those with children who have special needs.
3. Local Libraries Offering Sensory-Friendly Storytimes
- Fredricksen Library
Location: Camp Hill, PA
Features dimmed lighting, fidget toys, and quiet zones for children with sensory sensitivities. - Hershey Public Library
Location: Hershey, PA
Hosts inclusive storytime events with music, crafts, and interactive storytelling. - Lancaster Public Library
Location: Lancaster, PA
Provides sensory-friendly storytimes, incorporating tactile activities and adjusted sound levels. - York County Libraries
Various locations: Offer sensory-friendly programming and accessible events. - Coyle Free Library
Location: Chambersburg, PA
Includes sensory-friendly storytime sessions designed for children with autism or sensory processing challenges. - Bosler Memorial Library
Location: Carlisle, PA
Hosts inclusive storytimes with sensory-friendly elements.
4. Learning Through Play: Top Toy Stores
- Learning Express Toys
Location: Camp Hill, PA
Offers sensory-friendly toys, puzzles, and STEM kits. - Giggle Moon Boutique
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Specializes in toys that promote fine motor skills and sensory engagement. - Brainy Borough Toys & Treasures
Location: York, PA
A local shop focusing on educational toys for all abilities. - Toy Box Gifts & Wonder
Location: Chambersburg, PA
Features a variety of educational toys, with knowledgeable staff to assist parents in selecting the right products. - Target Adaptive Toy Line
Locations: Various stores in South Central PA
Features sensory-friendly and adaptive toys, including brands like Melissa & Doug and Fisher-Price.
5. STEM Programs for Kids with Special Needs
- Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Hands-on science workshops and STEM camps, with accommodations for children with special needs. - Snapology of Camp Hill
Location: Camp Hill, PA
Offers LEGO-based STEM classes and robotics programs designed to be inclusive for all abilities. - Lancaster Science Factory
Location: Lancaster, PA
Interactive exhibits and sensory-friendly events, fostering STEM engagement for children with autism and other needs. - Code Ninjas
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Provides coding and video game development workshops with skilled instructors experienced in accommodating children with special needs. - Local School-Based Programs
Many districts, including Carlisle and Chambersburg, offer inclusive after-school STEM clubs.
Outschool
Virtual STEM classes on topics like robotics and coding, with small group sizes and supportive instructors.