Education Program Description
The Shafer Center for Early Intervention is dedicated to providing a rich and comprehensive learning experience for children on the autism spectrum and those with related developmental challenges.
Our multidisciplinary approach seamlessly integrates academics, speech and language development, sensory support, and social opportunities, creating a well-rounded and engaging environment for every child.
Who We Serve
We are a mixed-age, co-educational program serving children ages 2 through 12 years old, including:
Nursery: Ages 2–4
Kindergarten
Elementary: 1st–5th Grade
Our program enrolls up to 35 students and welcomes children on the autism spectrum as well as those with cognitive impairments, multiple disabilities, speech or language impairments, and developmental delays.
We believe in challenging, nurturing, and empowering every child. By blending individualized instruction with group learning experiences, we help children build essential skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
The Shafer Center provides six mixed-grade/mixed-age classroom programs: Pioneer, Discover, Explorer, Voyager, Pathfinder, and Endeavor.
The goal of the Pioneer class is to teach students pre learning skills by building a strong foundational knowledge base in order to learn in a one on one and or group setting.
Learn more about the Pioneer Program.
The Discover class goal is to establish a base of functional academic and life skills, which will lead to greater independence. The Discover class introduces and exposes students to new skills in a group setting, while acquisition occurs in centers, the natural environment, and one-to-one instruction.
Learn more about the Discover Program.
The Voyager class goal is to build upon a strong foundational knowledge base to further classroom readiness and pre-academic skills in a one-to-one and group learning environment. The Voyager class expands upon pre-requisite reading skills using the Science of Reading in the area of phonics to build reading independence.
Learn more about the Voyager Program.
The goal of the Pathfinder class is for students to demonstrate increased independence and generalization of functional academics and life skills.
Learn more about the Pathfinder Program.
The Explorer class is designed to teach students literacy and math skills while they actively participate in a group-learning environment. The Explorer class works to build classroom independence and expand upon skills using the Science of Reading in the area of reading phonics in order to increase reading fluency.
Learn more about the Explorer Program.
The Endeavor class goal is to expand the depth of academic and classroom independence, given increased group learning experiences with fading supports.
Learn more about the Endeavor Program.
Our Educational Program
At The Shafer Center for Early Intervention, we believe every child deserves a meaningful learning experience built around their strengths, needs, and unique potential. Our program blends academics, therapies, and real-world skill building to help children grow in independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
MSDE-certified Special Education Teachers
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Behavior Therapists
Bachelors-level Teaching Assistants
We also provide:
Individual Speech-Language Therapy
Individual Occupational Therapy
Intensive one-on-one ABA Therapy
Contracted Physical Therapy and Music Therapy, as indicated on each child’s IEP
Individualized Approach
Before enrollment, each child receives an observation, file review, and baseline assessment. This ensures placement in the classroom that best matches their skill level and developmental needs. Each child is then supported with individualized goals that build on their strengths, while flexible curricula allow for modifications and adjustments as they progress.
Learning Environment
Our classrooms are designed to nurture academic, social, and language growth while encouraging independence and a love of learning. Daily activities incorporate play, leisure, safety, and community skills—making learning both functional and joyful.
Skill Development & Generalization
We focus not only on acquiring new skills but also on ensuring those skills are practiced in a variety of functional, natural settings. By creating opportunities throughout the day, children are able to maintain, generalize, and apply what they’ve learned in everyday life.