The Harold Lewis Center welcomes peer models. Peer models are typically developing children age 3 to 5 displaying strong skills in socialization/leadership, communication/language skills, and are toilet trained. Peer models should also be able to independently listen and follow teacher direction and interact with peers using cooperative play strategies within the classroom environment. The intent is for the child with special needs to learn the appropriate language and social behavior from the peer model, while the peer model learns about disabilities and how children with delays are more like themselves than they are different.

This program is a 4 day-a-week half-day program (Tuesday through Friday).  Transportation is provided within Union County when it is available. Peer models pay a monthly fee as determined annually by the Union County Board of DD.
    • Fire Truck Visit

Other eligibility factors for enrollment of peer models:

  1. Age 3 to 5 years, be below six years of age on the thirtieth day of September.
  2. Availability of space. If all peer spots are filled, a waitlist will be created.
  3. Selection determined by the following rank order
    1. sibling of current enrollee
    2. child/sibling of Union County Board of DD Staff Member
    3. children selected from the community
  4. Provision of a record of immunizations, verification of birth and a medical exam.

If you have any questions, please contact Arlene Porter the Harold Lewis Center at aporter@ucbdd.org or (937) 645-6714.