Florida Tech, Space Coast Early Intervention Center Explore Merger and Combined Services

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Institute of Technology and Space Coast Early Intervention Center (SCEIC) are exploring a collaboration that could lead to expanded services for children with or without special needs. The merger would include enhanced preschool to second grade options.

“We’re excited to have this conversation,” said Mary Beth Kenkel, dean of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts at Florida Tech. “We’re currently celebrating the fifth anniversary of our Scott Center for Autism Treatment, and looking for new ways to better serve children in our community. The work of the SCEIC is greatly admired, and Florida Tech is in a position to further that important educational service.”

“Florida Tech’s College of Psychology and Liberal Arts and the university’s Scott Center for Autism Treatment have respected reputations for exceptional education and service in our field,” said Leslie Roth, executive director of SCEIC. “Coupled with the decades of success that we’ve had here at SCEIC, a permanent partnership where resources can be shared and expanded makes good sense—providing for enhanced services and resulting in more education and support provided to the Space Coast families who need it most. A combined center that would provide ease of access to education and therapy is a worthy goal, and an important evolution.”

Kenkel said the seamless continuity of services would be a primary goal of any new relationship that might be created. The uniting of SCEIC and Florida Tech remains in discussion and exploration, with no final decisions expected until early 2015.

SCEIC is Brevard’s premier preschool for children with and without special needs. Located in Melbourne, its unique inclusive program ensures equal learning opportunities for all children, regardless of ability. The center’s goal is to provide children with the academic and social skills needed to succeed in life.

Florida Tech’s Scott Center for Autism Treatment specializes in working with children with autism and other related disorders by implementing procedures based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Located on the campus of Florida Tech in Melbourne, the Scott Center has experts in the areas of the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors, early intervention, intensive toilet training, pediatric feeding, and parent and teacher training.

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