Frequently Asked Questions
At the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for children with special needs and their families.
Whether you are seeking early education, therapy services, or looking to get involved through volunteering or giving, we strive to make the process as easy and welcoming as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, designed to guide you through our services and how you can become part of the Schreiber community.
For Parents Seeking Educational Services
(Preschool & Daycare)
We offer an inclusive preschool and daycare program that each provide early childhood education for children of all abilities, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment for their growth and development.
Our Circle of Friends Academy daycare accepts infants and children up to age 5, while our S.T.A.R.S. Preschool serves children ages 3-5.
Our Circle of Friends Academy operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, without extended care options. S.T.A.R.S. Preschool offers 2 ½ hour sessions, either in the morning (9:00-11:30 AM) or afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM), with children attending two or three sessions per week (Tuesday and Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)
Circle of Friends Academy maintains a ratio of 1 adult to 4 infants, 1 adult to 6 toddlers, and 1 adult to 10 preschoolers. At S.T.A.R.S. Preschool, there is 1 adult for every 6 children.
Circle of Friends Academy uses the Mother Goose Curriculum, which engages children through a variety of gross and fine motor activities, as well as sensory experiences. S.T.A.R.S. Preschool utilizes the Creative Curriculum, which emphasizes room-scape and individualized group instruction to target developmental milestones and prepare children for kindergarten.
At Circle of Friends Academy, snacks are provided by the center, while parents supply lunches. The facility is nut and egg-free, and dietary restrictions are accommodated. S.T.A.R.S. Preschool provides snacks, often donated by parents, and accommodates students’ allergies and dietary restrictions, with parents potentially providing specific snacks if needed.
In both the Circle of Friends Academy and S.T.A.R.S. Preschool children are always well-supervised, and staff members are required to complete CPR, First Aid, mandated reporting, universal health precautions, and fire safety training. Entry to the building is secured by supervised security doors.
Circle of Friends Academy conducts assessments and holds conferences with parents to discuss the best ways to support each child. At S.T.A.R.S. Preschool staff are highly trained in managing behaviors and addressing developmental and acquired disabilities and delays.
Circle of Friends Academy staff are required to complete 24 hours of annual training in various categories to remain well-rounded, with most holding a bachelor’s degree or CDA. S.T.A.R.S. Preschool’s head teacher holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Private Academic Certificate for nursery/kindergarten, while assistants are trained in Montessori education and have experience in IU#13 classrooms.
The cost of educational services at the Schreiber Center varies by program. For detailed information on tuition rates and financial assistance, please visit our Circle of Friends Academy and STARS Preschool pages.
Circle of Friends Academy accepts Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) funding, while S.T.A.R.S. Preschool offers reduced tuition based on eligibility through Pennsylvania’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Visit our S.T.A.R.S. Preschool or Circle of Friends Academy pages to learn more about each specific educational program and how to register your child.
For Parents Seeking Therapy Services (Speech, Occupational, Physical)
If your child is showing difficulty with speech or language, challenges with movement or coordination, or struggles with daily tasks like dressing or feeding or other delays with speech or motor skills it may be a sign that they could benefit from therapy services. Schedule an appointment with your child’s physician to explore your concerns further.
We offer comprehensive therapy services, including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, to help children achieve their developmental milestones and gain independence. Our therapists work interdepartmentally when appropriate to create a comprehensive therapy plan for each individual child.
We provide therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 21, helping them at every stage of development.
To begin, you will need a referral from your child’s physician. Visit our How to Obtain Services page to learn more about the steps to take to obtain therapy services at the Schreiber Center for your child.
Our therapists will focus on getting to know both you and your child, taking the time to understand your child’s strengths, interests, and challenges. This allows us to create a therapy plan with goals that are tailored to your child.
Your child’s initial plan of care will include 12 sessions aimed at addressing their specific goals. After completing this plan, the therapist will meet with you to discuss progress and recommend whether to continue therapy. Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes once a week, though depending on your child’s needs, therapy could range from 1 to 3 times per week to ensure the best outcomes.
We take the time to build a connection with both you and your child from the very first therapy session. Learning your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges allows us to focus on your child’s unique interests while carefully addressing their specific needs. This approach helps keep them engaged while gently challenging areas of growth to help them achieve their therapy goals. We also follow a medical model of care and encourage parents/caregivers to observe sessions and reinforce activities/behaviors at home.
Progress is closely monitored throughout your child’s therapy with daily therapy notes and at the end of each plan of care, we review the goals that were set based on your child’s and family’s specific needs. We track measurable improvements in key areas, such as motor skills, communication, or behavioral development, and share detailed updates on how your child is advancing toward their goals.
Absolutely! We encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s therapy. Your participation is crucial in helping your child reach their goals.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans for therapy services.
Yes, we accept most Medicaid plans for therapy services.
Families without insurance may qualify for our self-pay courtesy discount payment scale. Contact our Social Services and Family Support leader Jen Bachman at 717-393-0425 ext. 158 or by emailing jbachman@schreiberpediatric.org to learn more.
For People Looking to Support Our Mission
We are always looking for dedicated professionals to join our team. Visit our careers page to view current openings and learn how to apply.
Yes! Schreiber offers externship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Visit our externship opportunities page to learn more about starting your externship at Schreiber.
We offer many ways to volunteer, whether it’s assisting at our events, working with children during Camp Schreiber, or helping behind the scenes with administrative tasks or facility maintenance. Visit our volunteer page to learn more about current opportunities and requirements.
The minimum age to volunteer is 14, with a requirement of 16 for Camp Schreiber. Specific requirements, including applications and clearances, vary depending on the volunteer opportunity and are detailed under each listing on our volunteer page.
We have no minimum hour requirement for volunteering. Whether you can offer just an hour or commit to several days, we greatly appreciate any time you can contribute. Our projects vary, so there’s always something to match your availability.
Schreiber hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including our signature Gala and Rubber Duckie Race & Festival. You can support these events by attending, sponsoring, or volunteering. Visit our special events page for more details.
Yes! We welcome community-led fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a charity run, bake sale, or another creative event, your support helps us provide essential services to children with special needs. Visit our community fundraising page to learn more.
When you give your time and talent to the Schreiber Center, it provides essential support for daily operations, contributes to the effective delivery of therapies, and helps fund critical services and special programs. Your involvement ensures that we can continue offering high-quality care and create meaningful impacts in the lives of the children and families we serve.
For People Looking to Give to Schreiber
Your donation directly impacts the children and families we serve by helping us bridge the $2.5 million annual deficit required to sustain our mission. Every contribution supports vital therapy services, educational programs, and special initiatives that ensure we can continue providing exceptional care and support to those in need. Your generosity makes a tangible difference, enabling us to reach and assist more families each year.
You can make a one-time or recurring donation through our secure online donation portal, or you can send a check directly to the Schreiber Center. Visit our donation page for more details on how to give.
There are numerous opportunities for making a gift to the Schreiber Center. We accept one-time gifts, online recurring donations, gifts of securities and appreciated stock, estate gifts and gifts from corporations, foundations and community fundraisers.
Yes. 100% of your contribution is tax-deductible.
Visit our Giving Societies page to learn more.
You can designate Schreiber Center as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or retirement account, or make provisions for a bequest. Visit our Legacy Giving page to learn more.
There are many ways your business can support Schreiber, including event sponsorships, corporate matching programs, and direct donations. Visit our corporate giving page to learn more about how you can support children with special needs in our community by partnering with Schreiber.
Each company has its own guidelines for employees, spouses, retirees, and widows/widowers. Most corporate procedures are simple:
- Request a Matching Form from your company.
- Complete and submit the form to the Schreiber Center along with your gift.
- The Schreiber Center will verify the completed form and return it to the company.
- The company issues a matching gift contribution to the Schreiber Center.
Completed forms can be sent with your personal gift to:
Fund Development
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development
625 Community Way
Lancaster, PA 17603
dsunday@schreiberpediatric.org
Yes! We welcome community-led fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a charity run, bake sale, or another creative event, your support helps us provide essential services to children with special needs. Visit our community fundraising page to learn more.
Ways to Give
Donating to the Schreiber Center is an investment in a child’s future.
Your contributions allow us to continue offering life-changing services to children in need, providing them with the tools and support to achieve their dreams. Whether through one-time gifts, recurring donations, or legacy giving, your generosity makes a lasting difference in the lives of Schreiber kids.