Switzer’s Social Skills Program, Switzer Social, is currently enrolling for the Spring cohort. Switzer Social is a transformative program designed to equip teens and young adults on the autism spectrum with essential social skills. Our inaugural session begins next week on February 15 and will run for 15 weeks, providing structured support in a nurturing environment. Switzer Social is specifically tailored for two age groups: teens aged 12-17 and young adults aged 18-24. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals facing social challenges due to anxiety and depression, who may find social settings difficult to navigate. With the right tools and skills, we aim to empower our participants to successfully navigate the complexities of social interactions. Under the guidance of instructors certified by UCLA’s renowned Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills (PEERS®), participants will learn vital skills that include developing and maintaining friendships, confidently starting and ending conversations, and understanding the intricacies of dating. We will also tackle important issues such as organizing get-togethers and addressing both direct and indirect bullying, equipping participants with strategies to enhance their social skills and foster meaningful connections. Join us in this exciting opportunity to help our remarkable teens and young adults thrive in their social landscapes! Email peers@switzercenter.org for details.
We’re thrilled to share our latest annual report, highlighting the impact of your support on the 2023-24 school year at Switzer Learning Center. Here are a few quick highlights:
1. Academic & Personal Development: We provided educational and therapeutic services to a diverse student body of 125 individuals, with over 58% of our students coming from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). We are proud to report that close to 80% of students in our High School Diploma Track program have enrolled in college for the upcoming year.
2. Enhanced Learning Environment: Your contributions have facilitated the expansion and renovation of our library, the makeover of our classrooms with updated technology, and the establishment of our STEAM Makerspace, providing our students with dynamic spaces for learning.
3. Enriching Experiences & Opportunities: Through your support, our students had the opportunity to participate in enriching field trips to local museums and parks, explore the art of music through DJ-ing, and showcase their talents and creativity to the broader community on Spectrum News and Torrance TV.
We can’t wait to share more detailed insights with you in our latest annual report (below).
Thanks again for being an integral part of our journey toward creating a path to independence for neurodivergent and special needs students.
Switzer Learning Center proudly announces Connor Hartwell as the newly appointed Board Chair. He is a distinguished professional serving as one of the Principal Advisors at Hartwell Financial Services. Mr. Hartwell has served on the Switzer Board for 4 years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Board Chair. His professional insight is reinforced by his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, and an inactive Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Mr. Hartwell earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from UC Santa Barbara and has extensive experience in public accounting and private wealth management. In his spare time, Mr. Hartwell treasures moments with his wife, Alex, and their daughters, Gramercy and Harlowe.
Jeremy Deming, CEO of Switzer Learning Center, expressed confidence in the new leadership, highlighting the crucial role of exceptional leadership in the organization’s success. He stated, “As the CEO at Switzer Learning Center, I understand the critical importance of having exceptional leadership on our Board of Directors. The strength of a nonprofit organization hinges on the caliber of its staff and Board combined. With Connor at the helm of our Board of Directors, I am assured of our organization’s capacity to expand and effectively impact the children, teens, and young adults we serve.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Hartwell emphasized his commitment to advancing the mission and vision of the organization, particularly in terms of inclusivity and empowerment. “Stepping into the role of Board Chair fills me with excitement and determination. I am eager to continue advancing the vision we have set forth: to empower the students in our community to thrive. Collaborating with fellow Board members, staff, and community supporters, I envision leading us toward growth, prosperity, and enduring impact. Together, I am confident that we can unleash the potential within each student, nurturing resilience, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. As the new Board Chair, I am resolute in propelling our mission and vision for inclusivity and empowerment forward. I am enthusiastic about exploring new pathways for growth, forging collaborative partnerships, and introducing innovative programs to further the support we provide to our students, ensuring that we remain at the vanguard of educational and clinical best practices.”
For further information about Switzer Learning Center and its mission to support students with special needs, please visit www.switzercenter.org.
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Torrance, CA – Friday, June 7, 2024 – Switzer Learning Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Nonprofit of the Year at the 2024 Impact Awards presented by the Torrance Area Chamber ofCommerce. The award was presented at the Chamber’s 110th Celebration, recognizing Switzer Learning Center for its continuous efforts to build a safe and inclusive environment for its staff, students, board members, and the community.
Jeremy Deming, CEO at Switzer Learning Center, expressed the center’s gratitude, stating, “We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive space for individuals with unique learning abilities and backgrounds. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the students we serve, and we are grateful to the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for acknowledging our efforts.”
The Nonprofit of the Year award reflects Switzer Learning Center’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional educational and supportive services to its community. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, Switzer Learning Center has positively impacted the lives of many individuals and continues to be a pillar of strength in the community.
Switzer Learning Center has been dedicated to educating diverse minds, building social confidence, and creating a path to independence since 1966.
For more information about Switzer Learning Center and its programs, please visit www.switzercenter.org.
May 29, 2024 – We’re thrilled to announce that the Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP), our Peace Education initiative in the United States, has recently entered into a new partnership with the Switzer Learning Center (SLC). This collaboration aims to introduce our restorative practices to the center’s educators and students. The Switzer Learning Center caters to students who have encountered trauma and adversity, including behavioral issues, learning challenges, and hail from the foster care system. Through this collaboration, we intend to bring the DHP’s expertise in conflict resolution and transformative social-emotional learning to enhance the well-being of the student population.
“Our partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative will be instrumental in fostering a culture of peace and understanding on our campus. The last training session was incredibly impactful, as it equipped our staff with valuable tools to promote conflict resolution and social harmony. In the next few years, we look forward to further strengthening this partnership and empowering our community to become active agents of positive change,” said Dr. Sylvia Landaverde, Ed.D., MPA, Director of People & Culture at the SLC.
On March 15, we launched the partnership with a training session for all staff and educators at Switzer Learning Center. The workshop focused on the foundations of conflict, understanding educator’s personal conflict styles, and concluded with an action-based dialogue that encouraged educators to share their own stories and solutions to a challenge that they experience at their school site.
“WPDI is pleased to launch this unique partnership with Switzer Learning Center, whose dedication to innovative learning solutions and commitment to student success aligns perfectly with our work,” said Monya Kian, WPDI’s DHP Program Director. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Switzer, and supporting them in implementing our peace education tools and having a meaningful impact in the school community.”
The profound understanding of conflict at an emotional level that the DHP program brings to the table has been very inspiring for coordinators at the SLC. This is underlined by Mr. Joshua Ortega, the center’s Professional Development Coordinator: “The Conflict Resolution Education program offered by the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative left a profound impact on me. Beyond acquiring practical skills, it fundamentally shifted my perspective on conflicts. Here’s what I took away from the training: firstly, I learned the immense value of empathy and active listening. Rather than approaching conflicts with judgment, I now strive to understand others’ viewpoints. This skill has proven invaluable in personal disagreements and community disputes alike. Secondly, the training equipped me with de-escalation techniques. When tensions rise, I can defuse situations effectively, finding common ground and preventing escalation.Thirdly, communication skills became a focal point. I discovered the power of clear, assertive communication — a vital tool for resolving conflicts constructively. Additionally, I embraced the principles of nonviolent communication. Lastly, the WPDI program emphasized the long-term impact of conflict resolution. It’s not merely about quick fixes; it’s about creating lasting peace. I now feel a sense of responsibility to pass on these skills to others, contributing to a global culture of peace. In summary, WPDI’s approach encourages us to actively choose peace, recognizing that conflicts can be opportunities for growth and positive change.”
The partnership between WPDI and the Switzer Learning Center promises to be highly beneficial to students. Given the diversity of the student body, the center’s staff faces unique challenges on a daily basis. They are educators and alsomentors, expected to navigate the complexity of individual situations adeptly. By integrating WPDI’s Conflict Resolution Education curriculum, the staff can enhance their support for students, fellow colleagues, and parents. “This collaboration not only strengthens the educators’ abilities but also fosters an environment where students can flourish academically and socially. Together, they are shaping a future where everyone can believe, achieve, and thrive,” said Janina Gricius, M.A., LMFT, ART-BC, School Therapist.
The DJ program will provide an engaging opportunity for neurodivergent students to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills.
TORRANCE, CA, UNITED STATES, August 29, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Switzer Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that provides individualized learning programs and therapeutic support for neurodivergent and special needs youth, has announced the start of a new programmatic partnership with The DJ Coach. This program will introduce DJ (disc jockey) education into Switzer’s after-school Arts Enrichment Program to empower and cultivate a deep appreciation for music within the special needs community that Switzer serves.
The Start to DJ program will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Thursday, September 14, 2023. Sessions will be held during after-school hours from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Switzer Learning Center’s campus in Torrance. The program is open to all neurodivergent students in the Greater Los Angeles area and offered at no cost to Switzer Learning Center’s nonpublic school students.
The program’s ultimate goal is to provide a unique and exciting opportunity for neurodivergent students to engage, explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop new skills while having fun.
“We are thrilled to partner with DJ Hapa and The DJ Coach to offer this exciting program to our students,” said Jeremy Deming, Switzer Learning Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission is to educate diverse minds, build social confidence, and create a path to independence, and we believe this program will help us further that mission.”
The Start to DJ program will be facilitated by experienced DJ instructors who specialize in working with students in schools across Southern California and beyond. The curriculum will focus on the fundamentals of DJ techniques including mixing, scratching, as well as basic music theory, but will also give students a glimpse into entrepreneurship and transferable soft skills that are necessary in a creative industry. Students will be working towards creating their very own live mixtapes, which they will perform and share at a culmination event in December.
“We are excited to work with Switzer Learning Center to provide this unique opportunity to students with special needs,” said Yamani Watkins, spokesperson for The DJ Coach. “We believe that music has the power to bring people together and help individuals express themselves in new and creative ways, and we look forward to seeing the impact this enrichment program will have on students who learn in a unique way.”
For more information about the program, please email advancement@switzercenter.org. Both Switzer Learning Center and The DJ Coach look forward to providing this unique and collaborative opportunity to neurodivergent students in Torrance and surrounding communities.
Switzer Learning Center, is a CA state-certified nonpublic school in Los Angeles that caters to students with special needs and learning differences. Our school, located in Torrance, is dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students aged 10-22 through our Middle School, High School, and Adult Transition educational programs; Arts Enrichment Programming; and Therapeutic Support. And, we partner with multiple school districts across the county.
At Switzer Learning Center, we understand that every student has unique needs. That’s why we offer a range of programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student. Our Arts Enrichment Programming, which includes the Learn to DJ program starting this fall, provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity and develop new skills. We also offer Social Skills Programs, such as the PEERS Social Skills Program, to help students develop the skills they need to build positive relationships with their peers. Our low student to instructor/aide ratios ensure that every student receives the individual attention they need to thrive. Our team of credentialed teachers, classroom support providers, board-certified professionals, and school therapists and counselors are dedicated to providing the highest quality education and support to our students. At Switzer Learning Center, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging. That’s why we take our students on community-based intervention and educational visits to local museums, parks, restaurants, movies, and more. We also provide iPads and computers for student learning and STEM curriculum. We understand that getting to and from school can be a challenge for many families. That’s why we offer student pick-up and drop-off services to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a nonpublic school that provides exceptional education and support for students with special needs, look no further than Switzer Learning Center. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your child thrive at 310.328.3611 or email Advancement at switzercenter.org.
Art Enrichment Program Launches in Torrance, CA for Students with Special Needs
TORRANCE, CA, UNITED STATES, May 1, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Switzer Learning Center Arts Enrichment Program for students with Special Needs launched programming for neurodivergent and differently-abled students in L.A. County on April 03, 2023.
The Center provides educational, therapeutic, and social skills programs for individuals ages ten and up with special needs. In this new, arts-focused program, students will learn about, experience, and create through hands-on art projects that will measure and evaluate changes in students’ motivation toward learning and achievement in core subjects utilizing teaching strategies that best promote learning through the arts. The arts program occurs after school with special programming hours offered during school break periods and is offered at no cost to Switzer students. There are plans to expand programming for all neurodivergent community members. Activities will be held directly on Switzer Learning Center’s campus in Torrance, CA.
Funding for the program is provided by ARP EANS, which aids eligible non-public schools in addressing the effects of learning loss during COVID-19. Community supporters include Los Angeles L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Torrance Refining Company, and the California Arts Council (CAC). “As a community partner for many decades, and supporter of STEAM education, we were excited to provide $10,000 in seed funding to support Switzer’s vision to enhance their student’s learning experience through creative expression,” said Barbara Graham, Torrance Refinery Community Relations Manager.
The addition of arts programming offers opportunities that further reinforce Switzer Learning Center’s commitment to making high-quality programming accessible to all. The program aims to enhance student’s learning experience through innovative and creative programs. “I am pleased to support Switzer Learning Center’s Arts Enrichment program. I’m hopeful that this new program will help Switzer students build creativity and confidence, learn new ways to express themselves, and connect with their peers through music and art projects,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Arts education is more important now than ever, and this program is an excellent addition to Switzer’s programming, not only during the regular school year but during break times when students need access to engaging activities.”
The Switzer Learning Center serves as a leader in the field of special needs education. Its work began under Dr. Janet Switzer’s direction in 1966. At that time, the Switzer Center was the first educational center to offer educational intervention programs to individuals on the Autism spectrum.
A series of Art Enrichment programs for neurodivergent and special needs students will be open to the public in the Summer of 2023. Visit www.SwitzerCenter.org for more information.
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