Special Education News & Updates

Stay up-to-date on the latest special education news and updates from the Watson Institute. We include news, as well as stories and helpful information featuring our special education teachers, therapists, and mental health professionals and how they provide exceptional educational and supportive services to children with special needs. Also learn about our special education school programs and outpatient resources for children ages 3 to 21.

Educator FAQs about Teaching Sexual Education

educator teaching children in a classroom - Watson Institute

In a conversation with Lisa Gooddell, M.A., founder and host of the Help for Special Educators podcast, Dr. Rachel Schwartz, BCBA-D, a Watson Educational Consultant, answers educators’ questions about teaching […]

EITC Supports Special Education Schools

EITC program supports special education schools - Watson Institute

At the Watson Institute, students with special needs ages 3 to 21 attend high quality special education schools which support them on the path to achieving their goals. We’re able […]

Importance of Career Advancement Opportunities

special education teacher helping a child with special needs - Watson Institute

If you’re considering a career in the special education field, you may be faced with a number of career opportunities in a variety of settings. Why should you consider a […]

Teaching Body Autonomy to Children with Special Needs

Child with a physical disability seated in a wheelchair while a nurse wipes down her face - Watson Institute

In a previous article in which we discussed teaching privacy to individuals with special needs, we briefly touched on the topic of body autonomy. In this article, we go into more […]

Introducing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

therapist with a child in Watson Institute Intensive Behavioral Health Services program

Beginning in January 2021, the mental health support commonly known as wraparound or BHRS (Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services) was replaced across Pennsylvania by a new program called Intensive Behavioral Health […]

What Makes an “All-Star” Teacher?

image of all star special education teacher at Watson Institute

Educators play an integral role in the personal and academic development of youth. This past year in particular educators went above and beyond to ensure their students were still able […]

Mental Health Supports in School

partial hospitalization mental health support in schools - Watson Institute

Students with exceptionalities, particularly mental health challenges, may have difficulty thriving in a traditional school setting. Without access to intensive mental health supports in school, students may struggle to balance their […]

What is a Positive Behavior Support Plan?

SPED educator reviewing school work with student - Watson Institute

If your child’s school conducted a Functional Behavior Assessment to help identify and manage interfering behaviors, they may have included a recommendation to develop and implement a Positive Behavior Support […]

What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?

What is a Functional Behavior Assessment - Watson Institute

Are you receiving reports from school about your child’s challenging behaviors in class? Have these behaviors begun to interfere with your child’s ability to focus on learning while at school? […]

Prevention Strategies for Contextually Inappropriate Masturbation

Sexual education is important for children as they approach adolescence, especially for individuals with disabilities since they are at a greater risk of victimization [1]. There are numerous topics covered […]