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Consistent routines: Many children with autism thrive on routine. Daycares can provide predictable daily schedules to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
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Personalized care plans: Tailoring learning and play activities to each child’s strengths, challenges, and interests can enhance engagement and growth.
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Visual aids and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): These tools can help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate.
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Speech-language support: Daycares can collaborate with speech therapists or implement strategies to support language development.
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Guided social interactions: Structured playtime with adult guidance helps children learn how to take turns, share, and read social cues.
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Peer modeling: Watching and imitating typically developing peers can promote social and communication skills.
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Sensory tools: Items like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or sensory bins can help children regulate sensory input.
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Quiet spaces: Offering calm, low-stimulation areas allows kids to take breaks and manage sensory overload.
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Open communication: Regular updates and parent meetings ensure continuity between home and daycare.
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Inclusion of therapists: Some daycares allow or partner with occupational, speech, or ABA therapists for in-house services.
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Mixed peer groups: Inclusive settings where neurodivergent and neurotypical children learn together help foster understanding and acceptance.
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Adapted curriculum: Activities can be modified so all children can participate at their own level.
Lehigh County Private Daycares
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Bridge to Creative Learning
Teachers all have a special education degree.
Where: 3614 Lehigh Street, Whitehall, PA 18052
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Asbury Preschool
Where: 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104
Call: 610-481-0242
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Bethany Church
Where: 1208 Brookside Rd, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18106
Call: (610) 395-3613
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Cuddle Zone
Where: 445 Allentown Dr, Allentown, PA 18109
Call: 610-434-2644
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Grow Christian Preschool
Where: 3800 Brookside rd, Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062
Call:(610) 965-2493
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Lehigh Children's Academy
Where: 5910 Hamilton Boulevard, Lower Macungie, PA 18106
Ages: 6wks to 6 years and school ages 5-12yrs
Hours: We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6pm year round.
Call: 610-841-5801
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Lehigh Valley Children's Center
Where: 2002 South Albert St, Allentown, PA and locations in Northampton, Carbon counties
Call: 610-791-4828
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Pieces of Mind
Where: 1005 Brookside Rd Suite 50 / Allentown, PA
Call: 484-268-2055
Precious Steps Center
Where: 124 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA
Call: 610-791-2526
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Red Door Early Learning Center
Where: 4777 Saucon Creek Rd, Center Valley, PA
Call: (484) 264-2916
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St. Anne's Nursery School
Where: 375 Hickory St, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: (610) 868-4182
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Private Daycares Northampton & Surrounding Counties:
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ABC Early Learning Childcare Center, LLC
Where: 417 S Lincoln Ave, Walnutport, Pennsylvania, PA 18088
Call: (484) 623-4711
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Bright Minds Learning Center
Where: 1205 Broadway, Fountain Hill, PA 18015
Call: (610) 419-1834
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​​First Baptist Church
Where: 3235 Linden St.,Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call:610-865-4600
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​​New Beginnings Learning Center
Where: 4500 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township, Pa 18040
Call: (610) 759-6200
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Northampton Community College Child Care
Located in Bethlehem and Pocono areas
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Pediatric Stars PPECC, LLC
Where: 2437 Plaza Ct, Bath, PA 18014
Phone: (484) 426-6724
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Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts funding is awarded on a competitive basis every five years.