Developmental Program

The Center School, based outside of Philadelphia, has a strong developmental program designed for children with disabilities. At its heart are two core concepts: the need for individually tailored attention and the need for effective speech and language development in overcoming dyslexia.
A disability school cannot treat all children the same. Although learning difficulties can seem similar, dyslexia manifests in different ways, and children who suffer from it often require different methods to retain information properly. Some can read a book and remember everything about it but can't remember even the simplest instructions given to them verbally. Others respond very well to gestures or visual cues but struggle to assemble words in their proper order. A developmental program has to address each child's individual needs while still retaining the proper organizational structure to handle all of them.

Our Developmental Program: Small Classes and Language Skills

At the Center School, our developmental program ensures that class size stays small. Most are limited to 16 or fewer students, and reading groups typically number six students apiece. There are two teachers present in each classroom as well as reading specialists to help with specific instruction. Our focus on speech language development stresses not only communication, but also problem-solving skills. The aim is to give children the tools and knowledge to complete tasks rather than simply setting a due date and expecting them to meet it. Our developmental program has given many children a way around their disabilities, allowing them to thrive as students and make the best possible use of their gifts. To learn more, contact us at 2450 Hamilton Ave., Abington, PA 19001, phone (215) 657-2200, fax (215) 657-2646, or email centerschool@centerschoolpa.org.