Welcome to the place where we share our heart and happenings, news stories, social media posts, family experiences, and helpful articles about nurturing the growth and potential of every child.
May 18th is Speech-Language Pathologist Appreciation Day, and at Anderson School we have so much to celebrate! Learn how our dedicated SLPs, Vanessa and Taylor, support students in building receptive and expressive communication skills through individualized therapies, collaborative classroom activities, and a wide range of communication systems.
At Anderson School, nurses play an essential role in helping students with complex medical needs learn, grow, and feel safe each day. From providing skilled medical care in the classroom to building meaningful relationships with students and families, our registered nurses bring compassion, confidence, and calm to every moment. On Nurses Appreciation Day, we celebrate the dedicated nursing team whose care gives families peace of mind and helps students thrive.
Finding support can feel overwhelming. No one understands better than another parent who’s been there. Through the Massachusetts Parent to Parent (P2P) Program, families are connected with trained Volunteer Support Parents who share similar experiences, cultures, and languages. Operated by the Federation for Children with Special Needs, P2P offers compassionate, one-on-one emotional support for caregivers of children with disabilities or medical complexities. Because every family deserves to feel understood.
Sensory exploration is a powerful part of learning at Anderson School. Through creative, thoughtfully designed activities and immersive sensory room experiences, students with cortical visual impairment are supported in learning through touch, movement, smell, and choice. By centering fun, independence, and student control, our teachers and specialists create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and joy while helping every child’s personality shine.
November marks a significant milestone for special education as it was November 1975 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guaranteed children with disabilities the right to free public education.
At Anderson School in Andover, MA, occupational therapists Michaela Stackhouse and Leslie Hill help students with complex medical needs build independence, confidence, and joy through creative, hands-on learning. Their passion and collaboration make a lasting impact every day.
Donna and her certified therapy dog, Hunter, bring joy, comfort, and connection to students and staff alike. From soft cuddles to heartwarming moments, discover how pet therapy is making a real difference every visit.
Every parent needs a break, but a reliable babysitter requires preparation. Ask friends and family for recommendations and set clear expectations. Think SAFE: Sleep, Activity, Food, and Elimination—covering bedtime routines, allowed activities, dietary needs, and bathroom assistance. Provide house rules, emergency contacts, and payment details to ensure a smooth experience.
Read about Caroline’s journey as a mother of a child with special needs and how Partners in Child Development and Anderson School provided the support and community her family needed.
Back to school is often an exciting time in a student’s life and at Anderson School, we start the school year with lots of exciting news!
Director Chris Hunt, family liaison Ellen Waddill and Caroline Pounds, mom to a little boy currently receiving care join On Mic with Jordan Rich Podcast to discuss the Anderson School at PCD (formally PCCD).
Do you and your child like to experiment with food recipes or fix something with nails, string, or glue? What about make a gift for a friend out of recycled objects.
When children come to Early Intervention Toddler Playgroups and other PCCD groups they learn about routines and schedules.
I love to help children develop to their full potential and I love to help them participate in family and community activities. For both reasons, I love assistive technology.
