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10 Reasons Key Center is Exceptional

Key Center is a Public Day School that serves students with intellectual disabilities-severe and/or autism from Fairfax County.  We are a small school by Fairfax County standards and we are unique in that our students range in age from five to twenty two.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act along with IDEA, Key Center provides an appropriate educational program for students within the least restrictive environment to meet their needs.  

Abundance of Technology/Assistive Devices

Key Center is equipped with a wide array of cutting-edge technology and assistive devices that empower students with significant disabilities to actively participate in their education. These tools, such as speech-generating devices and adaptive switches, facilitate communication and enable students to express their thoughts and needs. Additionally, specialized software and hardware provide access to educational materials, promoting independence and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Collaborative Approach to Supporting Students

Collaboration is the cornerstone of student success at Key Center. Teachers, administrators, support staff, and specialists work seamlessly together to create a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. By sharing expertise, coordinating efforts, and adapting to individual needs, our team ensures that each student receives the best possible education and support, maximizing their potential and fostering independence.  Families are integral partners in our educational journey. Through open communication and collaborative partnerships, we work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes student growth and achievement. Families appreciate our proactive efforts to connect them with both school and community-based resources to support their student's success.  A unique aspect of our program is our weekly collaborative team meetings. Key team members gather to discuss student progress, identify challenges, and develop innovative strategies for Individualized Education Plans. By fostering a culture of collaboration and shared decision-making, we empower our students to reach their full potential.

Dedicated/Knowledgeable Related Service Staff

Key Center boasts an exceptional team of related services professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech-language Pathologists, Assistive Technology Coach, Vision Specialists, Hearing Specialists, and Multi-Language Learner Teacher. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to support students' unique needs and optimize their access to education. By providing a wide range of therapeutic interventions, they help students develop essential skills, such as fine motor coordination, gross motor skills, and communication abilities. Their collaborative approach with teachers and other specialists ensures a comprehensive and individualized approach to each student's learning journey.

Employee Excellence

Key Center's dedicated staff goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. We provide a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters student growth and success. Our staff creatively cultivates a culture of continuous learning, adapting to changing circumstances to empower students. Our Crisis Team was recently honored with an FCPS Excellence Award in Student Achievement and Success. Recognized for their skillful approach to behavioral challenges, they uphold Key Center's high expectations while employing effective problem-solving strategies. Their adaptability in adjusting expectations and guiding activities empowers students to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Focus On Critical Life Skills

To foster independence in all students, Key Center embeds instruction in life skills seamlessly into our daily routines. Teachers and staff provide opportunities for students to practice self-care, communication, and home living skills in every classroom and setting. This year, the school introduced the Living Skills Lab, a dedicated space designed to simulate real-life environments. Here, students can practice cooking, cleaning, and other essential life skills in a supportive and controlled setting, further empowering them to lead more independent lives.

Focus on Employee Wellness

Key Center recognizes that supporting our staff's well-being is essential to providing optimal care for our students. To promote physical and mental health, we offer a variety of after-school activities, including fitness classes and mindfulness sessions. These opportunities allow our dedicated staff to recharge and rejuvenate, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our supportive PTA further enhances staff wellness through generous initiatives. From daily treats and thoughtful gestures to annual Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations featuring seated massages and visits from adorable animals, our PTA demonstrates an unwavering commitment to recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Recognized as a Purple Star School

Key Center offers a strong sense of community.  As a Purple Star School, we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for military-connected students and their families.  To meet the requirements of the Purple Starr School program, we have demonstrated a commitment to meeting the unique needs of military families, including providing resources and support for students transitioning to new schools, offering counseling services for students and families experiencing stress or anxiety-related to military life, and creating a sense of belonging for all students.

Recognized Leadership

Key Center's administrators are truly dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. They go above and beyond to ensure the needs of both students and staff are met, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to create opportunities for growth and success.  At the 2023 FCPS Special Education Conference, Principal Ann Smith and Assistant Principal Emily Kaltenmark were recognized as the First-Class Award winners in the category of Specialty Program Staff.  Additionally, each administrator has been honored with individual FCPS Outstanding Employee awards.  Principal Ann Smith was recognized as the FCPS 2022 Region 3 Outstanding Principal and Assistant Principal Emily Kaltenmark was recognized as the FCPS 2018 Outstanding School-based Leader.

Social Emotional Programming

Key Center provides a variety of opportunities to foster social-emotional growth and peer interactions for our students. We host special assemblies featuring professionals who understand and cater to our student's unique needs, creating inclusive and engaging experiences. Additionally, our Reading Buddies program pairs Key Center students with Key Middle School students for shared reading time. This program not only benefits our students by enhancing their social skills and literacy abilities but also provides middle school students with valuable practice in improving their own reading skills.

Specialized Instruction in Physical Education & Music Therapy

Key Center's specialized programs in adapted physical education, music therapy, and aquatics offer unique opportunities for our students to engage in physical activity and creative expression. Our highly skilled instructors provide individualized instruction, tailoring activities to each student's abilities and interests. Through these programs, students develop motor skills, improve coordination, boost self-esteem, and experience the joy of movement and music.

Key Center: Empowering Futures, One Student at a Time. 

Building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and independence.