09/15/22
Randolph, Mass. – May Institute has opened a new school for students with autism and developmental disabilities in Chicopee, Mass. An extension of the May Center School in West Springfield, the new campus provides full-day, year-round educational and vocational services for children and adolescents from preschool to age 22.
The expansion comes in response to the ongoing demand for these highly specialized services across the state, and in the region. It will allow the organization to double the number of students currently served in the school located in West Springfield.
“Our school in West Springfield has an excellent reputation in the western Massachusetts community,” says Erica Kearney, M.A., LABA, BCBA, Executive Director of the new school and former director of the West Springfield school. “This is due in large part to the school’s exceptional, evidence-based services and consistently high levels of engagement that the staff provide students.”
Bridget Anderson, M.Ed., BCBA, formerly the Assistant Executive Director of the May Center School in Randolph, is the new Executive Director at the West Springfield school. She has many years of experience working with children with autism and their families, providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in school and home settings.
The new Chicopee site is a Massachusetts Chapter 766-approved school, and its staff members include certified special education teachers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and other specialists. These highly trained professionals use proven methods of teaching and interventions based on contemporary educational and ABA research.
The school has a 1:1 staff-to-student ratio and emphasizes all areas of a student’s development, including communication, language, academics, social skills, self-care, and vocational skills.
In addition to eight traditional classrooms for students ages 3 to 16, the new school has two classroom apartments where primarily students 16 and older can learn and practice activities of daily living, functional living skills, and vocational skills. Four individual learning rooms provide quiet spaces where students with a variety of sensitivities can learn without disruptions and distractions when needed.
Other amenities that enhance student learning include a computer lab, library, game and music room, and a gym with an attached gross motor room and direct access to an outdoor play area.
“We offer an individualized curriculum for children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities,” said Kearney. “As our students grow and mature, we work closely with families and school districts to prepare students for more independent living and a successful transition to adult life.”
For more information or to schedule a visit, call 413.377.1450, or email Erica Kearney at ekearney@mayinstitute.org.
About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded more than 65 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.
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