At Pace School, the LEAF Program Fortifies Students for Successful, Satisfying Futures

By Nancy Kennedy

For children with disabilities and their families, Pace School is a sanctuary – a place of safety, respect and possibility, where an inspired and expert staff provides education and therapeutic services that enable any child to thrive. That is the enduring mission of this state-approved, private, special education school located in Churchill that was launched by parents in a church basement more than 50 years ago. At Pace School, children with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional or mental health challenges and autism spectrum disorder, ages 5-21, receive individual education plans that identify their needs and help them learn and grow at their own “pace,” and, above all, to truly thrive.

“At Pace School, we exist to help children,” says Karen Shepherd, CEO. “We believe that children flourish with the right support. We create programming and implement services which make that possible. Too often, children with disabilities have heard ’You can’t.’ Here, we say ‘You can.’ We don’t want them to feel marginalized.”

Pace School serves more than 35 school districts in western Pennsylvania. Each class has a maximum of 12 students, with three adults so that individual attention can be provided. “The staff is the engine,” Shepherd says. “We have a highly qualified, experienced staff of teachers, social workers, mental health professionals, nurses and others. We also have a Partial Hospitalization Program that has a psychiatrist here three days a week.”

Pace’s goal is for students to transition back into the school district or continue at Pace progressing towards graduation and life after school. The LEAF (Life Education for Adult Futures) Program at Pace now provides increased services for young adults, ages 18 to 21, with an innovative program that facilitates the transition to adulthood and independence. This program helps students and families navigate the transition to adulthood, employment and community membership.

“Leaving school is a critical transition, and we want to empower the students so that they are able to move toward the future and learn to advocate for themselves,” Shepherd explains. “It takes time. We want them to have as much independence as possible. Some will have jobs; some will live with relatives and some may live in group housing. It’s a lot of change. With new skills and supports, we are confident that they can successfully integrate into the community.”

The LEAF program includes training tailored to individual needs and preferences, plus fundamental skills. These skills include safety, socialization, self-advocacy, wellness habits, daily living skills, and basic computer skills. Pre-employment training and development of workplace skills are a key component, and the LEAF programs partners with local businesses and organizations to give students workplace exposure and experiences.

According to Shepherd, “Our community partners enrich our services through career exposure and shadowing experiences. Our students need to see what the possibilities are and recognize that their skills are a fit for a variety of positions in many businesses.”

Shepherd emphasizes that transition, from school to adulthood and/or the working world, is challenging for both students and their parents. Pace staff help them understand the difference in accessing services as an adult versus a student and support them through this transition.

Transitions are those moments in every life when one faces leaving a comfort zone, taking a risk and moving toward the unfamiliar. It can feel like facing a cliff, but when a strong bridge has been put in place, and gentle helpers are there to encourage and lead the way, the transition becomes an opportunity for growth. The LEAF program is one more way for Pace School to fulfill their mission and help students thrive. “Leaving the place that nurtured and educated them, and supported their families, can be stressful,” Shepherd acknowledges. “But we are here to prepare them and help them to navigate this new terrain, making the transition to independent living and working. Pace School provides the skills and supports so students can successfully integrate into the community.”

To learn more about Pace School, how you can support community collaboration, and the LEAF program, visit www.paceschool.org.