The classrooms are small with a low student-to-staff ratio and are designed to provide a highly structured, language rich environment that promotes student growth in the areas of communication, social development and independence.

Our curriculum is aligned with Common Core State and National standards and is developmentally appropriate. We provide individualized educational programming including modified discrete trial teaching and Applied Behavioral Analysis based methods.

Our Cromwell location offers traditional courses in math, language arts, science, social studies, health, physical education, and elective options required for high school graduation. Special classes such as computers, adaptive physical education, art, and culinary classes are available to help increase students abilities. Additionally, enrichment classes are offered in collaboration with other community organizations.

The main objective of The Learning Center is to create an atmosphere of success that propels our students forward. Technology is an important curricular component. All classrooms have SMART Boards and the school has two fully equipped computer labs and a multi-media center in the library. Students are provided personalized devices for instructional purposes, picture schedules, augmentative and alternative communication systems and motivational tools.

Online credit recovery and virtual learning opportunities exist for students on an individualized basis to meet their credit needs and areas of interest.

The Learning Center offers an extensive vocational program for students who are fifteen years or older. Following a comprehensive vocational assessment that includes but is not limited to an interest inventory, situational assessment and a review of assistive technology needs, students are provided with a job site that matches their abilities.

Students work under the supervision of a job coach, either on grounds or in the community. Every attempt is made to provide a variety of settings to expand their interests and develop important life and vocational skills.

The East Hartford Learning Center offers traditional courses in English, math, science, social studies, health, physical education, and electives required for high school graduation. Instructional methods stress the application of skills and accommodate a variety of student learning styles. The Learning Center is aligned with Common Core State Standards, utilizes evidence-based instructional strategies and incorporates learning accommodations per student Individualized Education Plans. Credit recovery opportunities exist to engage each and every student. Teachers and instructional support staff are trained in trauma informed and relationship-based care.

One of the main objectives of the East Hartford Learning Center is to provide an educational environment that values achievement and success and supports student growth in academic areas as well as social/emotional/behavioral skills.Technology is an important component in our instruction.SMART boards and computers are available in classrooms and in the computer lab to support student learning and preparation for post-secondary education and/or workplace skills.Opportunities for hands on and integrated learning experiences that stress the development and application of new learning across content areas are provided to enhance students’ motivation, engagement and skills.In addition, we partner with other organizations and agencies who are able to provide educational experiences for our students. Our facility provides a full gym with physical education and wellness programs.

The East Hartford Learning Center offers experiences in acquiring work readiness skills as well as providing opportunities to explore various workplace options. Following an assessment that includes a career interest inventory, review of previous evaluations and work samples, personal interviews and observations, students are placed at a job site that matches their interests and skills either in the program or in the community where they work under the supervision of a job coach. Students are provided the opportunity to work in a variety of settings to expand their interests and develop skills in a variety of areas. The onsite culinary program gives them the opportunity to develop food preparation skills that can effectively generalize to restaurant settings. Individuals learn workplace accountability through clocking in and out when beginning and ending work tasks, and by discussing their experiences with their job coach and/or teachers. Career pathways are explored and staff highlight post-secondary education that would enhance career growth. Assistance with applications to post high school education and/or training is also offered.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is the behavior intervention philosophy used to teach self-regulation and respectful interactions with others that are necessary for success in school and the workplace. All students earn points by demonstrating expected behaviors. Points can be used to access available preferred activities and items in the school store. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) consults with the school’s behaviorist when a functional behavioral assessment is requested by the PPT and to assist with the development of individual behavior plans. The School Social Worker provides individual and group counseling to address students’ IEP goals in the social/emotional/behavioral domain as well as crisis intervention and referrals to community-based services when necessary. The focus of these services is for students to improve their coping and self-regulation skills and to apply them in their interactions in the classroom and other school/work settings.