LIMA — Students at the Center for Autism and Dyslexia school programs in Findlay and Lima will see a few changes beginning with the new school year in August.
Catapult Learning Inc., of Camden, New Jersey, acquired both sites and took over operation effective June 29. The schools serve about 140 students who have been diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and other special needs.
Tyler Burklund, program director with the Lima center, said that students will see two major changes as a result of the acquisition.
“The two noticeable changes right away will be that we will have more resources for curriculum and a change in the school calendar,” Burkland said.
Currently on a year-round curriculum, the Lima and Findlay locations will now be on a August to May schedule, much the same as the traditional school year. There will still be options for summer programming.
Burkland said the acquisition will also immediately bring about several other changes improving its services. A third building we be added to its facilities, private music lessons will now be available for students and a reading specialist has been added to the staff. Increased staff will eventually lead to a smaller teacher-student ratio of 1:3 and the school may possibly add additional therapy for elementary age children.
Catupult Learning School Division President Andrea Vargas said the company is enthusiastic about adding the area schools to its team.
“We are excited to welcome the students, staff and families of CFAD to the Catapult Learning family,” Vargas said. “This acquisition represents a significant merger of two mission-driven organizations seeking to provide the highest quality services to students on the autism spectrum. Our programs will benefit greatly as we refine and expand our autism platform on the national level.”
With the merger, Catapult now has a staff of 5,600 educators nationwide.
