Watson Institute vs. Pressley Ridge School For Autism

At The Harry S. Tack Education Center at the Sewickley Campus, Watson offers an approved private school that is licensed to serve children ages 3 to 21 with autism, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments and other developmental disabilities. The Education Center`s classrooms are staffed by a special education teacher and two paraprofessionals. The staff to student ratio is approximately 1:2. Each classroom team consists of the teacher, paraprofessionals and related service professionals. Service professionals available to the classroom include speech and language therapists, occupational and physical therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, social workers, behavior specialists and a school nurse. Additionally, there are "special" classes: art, music, library and adapted physical education. These classrooms are staffed by a teacher certified in their respective content area. A paraprofessional is assigned to each special classroom as well.

The school`s primary objectives include: Utilizing evidenced-based strategies and materials to encourage academic and social progress

Increasing the child`s ability to engage in sustainable relationships with peers and adults so that he/she may remain a part of his family and community

Fostering the advancement of appropriate communication skills  Fostering the child`s independence and ability to move toward life goals by developing life-skills

Exploring work-related positions and assisting the child with transition to adulthoodTeaching needed replacement skills so that the child`s behavior will be appropriate and socially acceptable in all settings