Former Ellsworth school to host students again
Merakey offers autistic, emotional support services
Families in Washington County and surrounding areas whose loved ones are living with autism now have a new center they can turn to for support.
Merakey, which is one of the nation’s largest providers of special education and human services, held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for its education center in Ellsworth, which is designed to enhance learning and serve the needs of children with autism.
Classes begin on Aug. 24.
“This is going to be very meaningful for those families who might not otherwise be getting those services they need,” said Rachel Fike, education director of the Ellsworth Merakey. “We’re very excited about the start of the school year and welcoming our students.”
The center will provide autism and emotional support and therapy services.
Community members toured the school, met staff, and learned about the services it provides.
So far, six students are enrolled in the nonprofit school, which is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The building has the capacity for eight classrooms and 21 students.
It features two wings – one for autistic support and one for emotional support – and offers sensory-friendly environments including special lighting and desks, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and curriculum designed to meet the needs of the students.
Said autistic support teacher Lacy Smalley, who will have students in grades 1 through 4 in her classroom, “Having this school available for the districts in the area is so important because it brings a really good approach to students who need individualized, one-on-one attention.”
The new center is located at 3 Oak St. in Ellsworth, and occupies the former Ave Maria School.
Students are enrolled based on school district referrals.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce president Jeff Kotula and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta were among the guests at the ribbon cutting, which also included remarks from Merakey staff.
“It’s really great not only to see this property brought back to a wonderful use, but also for the programs that are going to be here to help support the community and our local school districts,” said Kotula.
Merakey is a developmental, behavioral health and education provider that has served more than 50,000 families in more than 650 locations in 12 states since it opened over 50 years ago.
“While we are a national organization, I wanted to really stress that we are locally focused,” said executive director of operations Tara Quinn. “We want to make sure we’re serving the needs of local students and families, so we’re so excited to be here in Ellsworth and to begin those partnerships.”