CRITICAL THINKING COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION CREATIVITY

Since 1992, the Educational Develpoment Center’s Therapeutic Day School, under management of GEARA Group Inc., has provided educational alternatives for children who are emotionally and socially challenged, students with learning and/or emotional disabilities, as well as children with autism.

The GEARA philosophy is to provide intensive academic and behavioral support to the individual goals of each student. EDC incorporates project based and hands-on- learning with innovation and social emotional learning,to meet each child’s needs.

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

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.

Our Programmatic Goal

To help develop individuals that are capable of appropriate and rewarding social interactions and who have the potential to achieve their life-long academic and vocational goals. We want to maximize their independence and productivity, as far as their potential permits.

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

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 the lives of our students, enabling them to play active and successful roles in society.