What is daily life like at The Heard Center?

No two days will be exactly alike in a self-directed learning center but we also know that some neurodivergent children thrive in a routine and expect some members within our group will likely find comfort within a daily rhythm.

Here are some things we do know.

The Heard Center is a child-led learning center. The children lead with their interests and we serve as supportive mentors on their journey. Some children will find comfort in a daily routine or rhythm based on their interests. For others, novelty will guide their chosen activities. No two children are alike and no two neurodivergent children are alike. That's part of the beauty of child led learning. We expect these differences and appreciate them. 

Change the environment not the child.

We believe the journey of child led learning starts with the environment. We focus a tremendous amount of effort on creating a space where neurodivergent children feel safe, comfortable and internally well. 

Learning as much as we can about your child prior to their first day at the center helps us create an environment that promotes safety and regulation, including visual aids and communication supports. We are very fortunate to have an occupational therapist as a staff member and a consulting speech language pathologist alongside an experienced educator.

Our space is intended to accommodate varying energy levels that naturally ebb and flow throughout the day, encouraging our members to attune to the needs of their bodies and express those needs in their preferred method of communication.