& Socialization Center
Our Story
Our story began more than ten years ago, when Emma was in high school. Emma only loved to go to school. In high school she had terrible social skills. She was polite and kind, but not being verbal she didn’t know how to communicate, socialize and make friends. When her ARD meeting came around to discuss her last year in high school at age 22, Mom was in a quandary. What would she do with Emma all day long? She had visited other day programs and was not impressed with their lack of activity. When she voiced her opinion on continued care and leading a productive life, the ARD committee told her to open her own program.
That led to a momentum that would eventually become Emma’s Education Center. On April 7, 2014, a Certificate of Formation was created and there was a six member Board to help with the establishment of the program. The Board at that time, however, had small visions and seeds of doubt, and the “Center” went dormant until May of 2015……..
Our Programs &
Services
Our commitment to our students has not changed since we opened in 2015. We are an all inclusive state ISS Center, meaning, we don’t charge for additional programs or before and after care. Since our school was named after the owner’s daughter, Emma, who is also special needs, it’s more about providing the things that this population enjoys.
Social Integration
Lunch and snacks provided
Birthday recognition
Extracurricular weekend activities
Basic education skills on individual levels
Multiple offsite activities into the community each week
Horse 101 education onsite and offsite
Camp EEC twice each year
The Horse Project:
Where Healing Begins
Our Horse Project is the highlight of our program for our students. Twice a week, the students are at the stables learning horsemanship. Each week they head to the local stables where the owner’s horses and donkeys are boarded for an experience of a lifetime! They learn the concept of taking care of gentle, rescued equine by brushing, washing, walking and feeding them. Each student has become attached to a particular horse or donkey and is responsible for their care. Along with that, both horse and student realize what it means to feel “safe” in an environment. Our horses, donkeys and minis are rescues, meaning they have been rescued from a traumatic situation. All of the activities are supervised by those who work with the horses daily and know their temperament. What we see happen is a bond between the equine and the student. Equine love special needs individuals and look forward to seeing them each week for some spoiling.
Camp EEC:
An Adventure Like
No Other
Our first camp was in town and it was a hit with our students. Some stayed overnight and some were there just for the day. Over the years, Camp EEC went completely offsite to a camp in Jefferson, TX. A spark was lit to have a dedicated camp of our own. The students form a bond with each other because of the small groups that go to camp. All of their needs are met and they are more relaxed and able to socialize with one another. Those late night pillow fights also help form a bond with their roommate.
