Social-Emotional Learning
Social Learning Summer Programs
Building Connections and Having Fun With Peers
Summer is a great time to work on social understanding and communication skills, and make some friends while learning. Through expert coaching and fun activities that promote social learning, we teach kids how to feel more at ease with themselves and others: managing their emotions, developing friendships, improving self-regulation, understanding social cues, and communicating more effectively.
Social Learning Summer Sessions
We provide a safe and welcoming space where children and teens can learn how to connect more easily with others and get to know themselves, too. Throughout the summer, they’ll learn and practice social learning strategies, such as perspective taking, communication skills, and self regulation, increasing their self-awareness, learning how to face challenges, and feeling more at ease in the world.
Perspective Taking
Perspective taking requires us to adapt our thoughts, actions, and words to consider other people. We help students understand their own perspective and gain insight on the motivations and intentions of others.
Communication
Social communication is how and why we use language! Our experts help learners build their social communication skills, making it easier to be understood and to express their own thoughts, feelings, and needs.
Self-Regulation
We help students regulate and monitor their own experience in real time so they can approach school and life with more focus and success. They learn how to set goals, reflect on tasks, and evaluate their own achievements.
What Students Will Work On
• Initiating communication
• Reciprocal interactions
• Understanding others
• Communication skills
• Self-regulation strategies
• Being a team player
• Having fun with peers
The Details
Groups will meet 1-2 times during the 6-week session. Each session is 1 hour. The coach-to-student ratio is 1:4 and groups are formed by age and similar social learning profile.
Our Approach
Our highly trained teachers serve as strong role models and use fun and engaging games and proven strategies based on Social Thinking® and the book Activities, Games, and Lessons for Social Learning.
The Stern Center Difference
Highly Trained Teachers
Our dedicated and caring teachers are skilled specialists with advanced credentials and years of extensive training.
Proven
Approaches
We use evidence-based approaches that give students the support and encouragement they need.
Powerful
Outcomes
Since 1983, the Stern Center has been helping students reach their goals through life-changing learning.
Tailored to your needs
We customize our services to the person we’re supporting, and provide effective teaching, coaching, and practice.
What Learners Have to Say
Our Reach by the Numbers
1,800+
Teachers Served This Year
When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.
Our Reach by the Numbers
10,901+
Student Services Hours This Year
We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.
Our Reach by the Numbers
415+
Schools Served This Year
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
39
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 39 states and several countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
Supporting Learners
Financial Assistance
Our need-based scholarships make Stern Center services more accessible to learners and families. Assistance is based on income and the number of people in your family.
Meet Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a payment plan?
We’ll provide you with a contract and invoice which can be paid in full by our deadline or managed through a payment plan that spreads the cost of services over several months.
Are there other sources of financial assistance?
There are other sources that may assist with the financing of Stern Center Services. These include your school or school district, employer, Hireability Vermont, VSAC, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, health insurance provider, and others. Please note, we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
While we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance, we encourage you to contact your insurance provider to see if your plan covers specific services, such as psychoeducational evaluations, speech and language assessments, and speech therapy provided by a non-network, non-insurance billing provider. Please note that learning services like instruction aren’t typically covered by insurance. If you learn from your insurer that coverage is an option, we will provide you with appropriate documentation for you to submit to your insurance carrier.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Contact us to register for services and let us know you are interested in applying for financial assistance. We’ll ask you to complete a short application, which our team will review to determine the amount of financial assistance we can offer. After reviewing your application, we’ll notify you of our decision within a few days and apply your award directly as a scholarship discount.
What methods and approaches are used by your clinicians?
Our clinicians design individual programs for each client and may incorporate customized options from the following:
- The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech®
- The Talkies Program®
- Social Thinking®
- The Zones of Regulation ®
- The Incredible Five-Point Scale
- Activities, Games, and Lessons for Social Learning: A Practical Guide
- Motor Learning Guided Treatment
- The ALERT® Program
- Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
- Lidcombe Program for Fluency Shaping
- Enhanced Milieu Teaching
Do you offer services during the summer?
Yes, we offer social-emotional learning opportunities for children and teens, including social learning summer sessions, Camp Compass for ages 6–12, and the Teambuilding Institute for Teens. Please visit our Social Learning Summer Programs section for more information.
Does the instructor collaborate with school or college personnel?
The success of our students is essential to us, and to better understand your needs, collaborating with other professionals is often helpful. The instruction team will collaborate with a student’s school teacher(s) with a parent’s/guardian’s permission.
How do I register for Social Learning and Communication Services?
Please contact our Social Learning and Communication department by emailing social@sterncenter.org, calling 802-276-8563, or by completing the contact form. It is important for us to learn more about you and what your needs are before we begin.
When can I begin Social Learning services?
Social Thinking® Groups and Speech and Language Therapy services are offered year-round, and you can begin anytime. In addition, during the summer months, we offer unique opportunities for children and teens and invite you to visit our Summer Learning Opportunities section for more information.
Do you offer individualized speech therapy and Social Thinking® groups off-site?
Yes, we can tailor our services to meet clients’ needs.
What is the frequency and length of your social-learning sessions?
For most students in grades K-12, we offer after-school sessions to accommodate their school schedules. However, students and adults can meet during the day and evening hours. Most students meet once per week for an hour.
Does the Stern Center offer financial assistance?
Yes. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations, we can award need-based scholarships and provide additional assistance. Awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page and let us know if you want to apply for financial assistance when you register for services.
What does the cost of Social Learning and Communication services include?
- 50 minutes of intervention
- 10 minutes of communication with client or families to generalize the session and provide strategies when appropriate
- Progress reporting
- A year-end report that provides progress summary and recommendations
Do I (or my child) need an evaluation to start social learning services?
You don’t need an evaluation to start social learning services. Our team will examine your strengths and challenges and tailor treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about evaluations and testing at the Stern Center, visit our Evaluations page, email evaluation@sterncenter.org, or call 802-276-8681.
Additional Learning Programs
Evaluations
We help people understand how they learn so they can overcome challenges and move forward academically, professionally, and socially.
Tutoring Services
We offer expert instruction and intervention in reading, writing, math, and more in one-to-one sessions tailored to a learner’s needs.
Reading Readiness Check-Up
For parents curious about their child’s early reading skills, we offer a helpful check-up and expert advice for raising strong readers.
Keep Learning
Academic Calendar
View the Stern Center’s academic calendar. See openings and closings at a glance, including holidays and make-up days.
Summer Learning
Supercharge your child’s learning this summer. Get expert help with reading, writing, math, and more.
News and Resources
Keep learning and stay in the know with news and resources from our Stern Center experts.
Get in Touch!
For questions about social learning, Social Thinking® groups, speech therapy, and summer social learning programs, including Camp Compass and the Team Building Institute, email social@sterncenter.org, call 802-276-8681, or fill out the form below. You can also register for services here.
