Haugland Learning Center fills a need in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — A school that prioritizes children with disabilities exists near downtown Sandusky. Since 2010, Haugland Learning Center, housed in the former Sts. Peter and Paul School on Jackson Street, educates almost 30 area students ages 4-22 years old with autism, Asperger syndrome and other developmental disabilities.The school opened a Sandusky location after surveys sent to parents by the school indicated a need, said Heather Reau, Haugland Sandusky branch coordinator. Haugland's main branch is in Columbus, and a handful of branches are across Ohio.The Register was invited to tour Haugland Learning Center this past week.Haugland's Sandusky branch educates almost 30 students who are referred there by their home school district, which assists paying for their education or through the Jon Peterson and autism scholarships. Both are state-sponsored and provide financial assistance up to $27,000.To enroll, students need an autism diagnosis and/or an individualized education plan. Haugland students can also attend a yearly summer camp for further instruction.The school's top goal is for students to become independent individuals at school and home. "We want students to be able to go back to their home district," mental health therapist Ashley Collier said.Lead teacher Anabel McFadden works out a math problem with a student during school at Haugland Learning Center in Sandusky on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.How the school operatesThe private charter school maintains a full day of classes for all students, who have lessons in social skills in addition to those in subjects like math, English and science. They learn individually and in groups and, if needed, can work with a social worker and two mental health therapists on site.Some students are non-verbal and need iPads to communicate while others have delayed speech."We adjust to that and continue to include them in lessons," Collier said. "We structure the day based on students' needs."Students learn safety tips and other relevant skills, too. For instance, they'll soon learn Halloween safety and practice trick or treating at school to know what to expect.High school-age students can earn a diploma from Haugland, which is recognized by universities and student loan organizations. Additional entrance and placement exams like the GED and ACT/SAT might be required for college consideration.Teachers working at the school must have a four-year degree, but not necessarily have prior teaching experience. Most teachers at the Sandusky branch, however, do have education backgrounds. All educators need to have a state teaching license. During their interviews with potential teachers, administrators care about hiring kind, caring and observant individuals more than teaching experience and education. All educators receive ongoing professional development and training by a licensed intervention specialist so they can better assist students. "Everyone brings something different to the school and the students," Collier said.To help students gain independence, teachers use positive reinforcement — they reward good behavior when students follow directions. By doing so, students can earn prizes."We help them, but they do the work," Collier said. "We don't do things for them."To control their behavior, students learn coping skills like squeezing a stress ball, taking a walk and taking deep breaths.Students take turns working with their teacher at Haugland Learning Center in Sandusky on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.A day in classIn Anabel McFadden's classroom on Thursday, older students helped McFadden complete math equations involving the numbers two, three and five by verbalizing the answer or pointing to the correct number. In between math problems, McFadden complimented each student's behavior and gave them fake coins to use toward earning candy, toys, time to watch videos, among other rewards.McFadden, the school's lead teacher, most appreciates Haugland's positive atmosphere and witnessing students' improvement."Everyone is caring and supportive, which makes this building so special," she said. "I see students grow and it's very rewarding. Every day is different. I've never woken up not wanting to go to work in my seven years here."Downstairs in Nicole Price's classroom, elementary-aged students played educational games on their computers. Price spends the beginning of the school year going over social cues and her students go over how different emotions look everyday. Price, who has a music therapy background, also incorporates her experience into her classes.Like McFadden, Price loves student progress. In fact, earlier on Thursday, one of Price's students shared an item with a classmate unprompted."Everyone is passionate about this," she said. "It's so rewarding when students make strides. And parents are also supportive, and that's what helps them grow."Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodTeacher Nicole Price helps a student with a computer game during school at Haugland Learning Center in Sandusky on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.