History
The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development has been a benchmark provider to children and adults with disabilities since 1936. The organization, originally known as the Society for Crippled Children and Adults, was formed as a response to the polio epidemic by concerned community members. It was later known as the National Easter Seals Society, with Edna Schreiber spearheading the organization’s success as its executive director for 31 years, through 1967.
During the late 1980s, the organization began to shift its focus toward specialized pediatric therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents with developmental delays and disabilities. Its preschool also began receiving more attention due to its unique patient base.
In October 1994, the organization disaffiliated from the Easter Seal Society in an effort to maintain local autonomy over its programs and resources. By becoming a standalone organization, the Center ensured that children with disabilities in the Lancaster County area would always be able to receive the highest quality services. The new agency was named Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center in honor of Edna Schreiber, its first executive director. In 2018, the Center adopted a new name, one that better reflects the breadth of services available for children of all abilities: The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
In the video below, you’ll find the story of Earl H. Kreider. Earl was fortunate enough to receive services from Edna Schreiber, and his work with her helped him through a long, productive life.
Major Milestones in the Schreiber Story
1927: Edna Schreiber, a Lancaster County nurse, treats her first patient.
1936: Edna Schreiber establishes the Lancaster County Society for Crippled Children.
1949: The Lancaster County Society for Crippled Children affiliates with the Pennsylvania Easter Seals Society.
1950s: The Coffee Day fundraising campaigns begin. In later years, the campaign would be known as Buck a Cup Days and the Helping Hands Campaign.
1967: Edna Schreiber retires, but she would continue working with children as a volunteer for nearly 30 more years.
1981: Easter Seals moves its Lancaster facility to a new building in East Hempfield Township.
1988: The first Rubber Duckie Race fundraiser is organized.
1994: The organization separates from the Easter Seals and becomes known as the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County.
2006: Schreiber Pediatric undertakes a capital campaign to expand the facility, adding a therapy pool and a child care center.
2017: Schreiber Pediatric renovates space to expand the child care center, now known as the Circle of Friends Academy, by adding an infant room.
2018: Schreiber Pediatric announces a new name as part of a rebranding. To better convey the breadth of services available, the organization is now known as the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
