With support from the California Arts Council, Switzer Learning Center will be able to engage and empower special needs students from marginalized communities in L.A. County with an after-school arts enrichment program including developmentally and age-appropriate arts-based activities tailored to meet individual interests and unique needs of exceptional youth.
Switzer Learning Center’s nonpublic school serves children and families with mild to severe learning, social, emotional and behavioral challenges. A team of credentialed special education teachers, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and behavior specialists are dedicated to help students achieve academic, vocational, and personal goals in a highly structured, supportive and therapeutic environment. Engaging extracurricular activities support student learning and enrichment. The campus includes a student kitchen, computer lab, arts and crafts studio, music room, occupational therapy room, and fitness gym.” Switzer Learning Center’s Heritage Program students are middle and high schoolers working towards completing requirements for their high school diploma. Switzer Learning Center’s Spectrum Program is for middle and high school students with autism and related disorders, and focuses on developing independent living, social, emotional, and relationship skills using guided participation, community-based learning activities, and an alternative curriculum. Switzer Learning Center’s Self-Advocacy and Independent Living (SAIL) Transition Program supports young adults, ages 18-21 with autism and similar developmental disabilities, as they build independence, functional life, and job skills to transition to life beyond high school.

