ABOUT US

Under the management of GEARA Group, Inc., The Educational Development Center (EDC) provides educational alternatives for emotionally challenged and learning disabled students.

Providing educational private day services for ages 5 to 22, grades K through 12, EDC is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia, to service students with specific disabilities.

Our philosophy of education is founded upon strong behavioral support and student accountability. It takes a holistic approach to education that provides the foundation for success and survival in every aspect of a young person’s life.

Equipped with a highly qualified staff to aid students in the building of social and behavioral skills, we keep classes small with no more than 10. A teacher and a support staff member are present in each class at all times. Organizing classes as small groups helps keep distractions at a minimum, encouraging students to be engaged and focused.

EDC originally opened as a part of the Psychiatric Institute of Richmond in 1971. Since 1992, enrollment numbers have significantly increased and many students have been able to transition back into public schools. Others graduated and moved on to college. EDC has truly made a difference in these children’s lives, enabling them to play active and successful roles in society. 

EDC has serviced a number of localities in Virginia, including:

  • Buena Vista

  • Caroline County

  • Charles City

  • Charlotte County

  • Charlottesville County

  • Chesterfield County

  • Colonial Heights

  • Dinwiddie

  • Essex

  • Hanover County

  • Henrico County

  • King & Queen County

  • Lancaster County

  • New Kent County

  • Petersburg

  • Pulaski

  • Richmond City

  • Richmond County

  • Roanoke

  • Westmoreland

About GEARA Group, Inc.
GEARA’s management team consists of Executive Director, Etna G. Carr, Ed.D., and Director W. Allen Ferguson, M.S., who have each worked with special education students for more than 25 years.