The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel • State College, Pennsylvania

Children's Institute

Note: The Children's Institute is full for the 2011 conference. Please contact the following local organizations in State College, Pennsylvania, to inquire about available drop-in care: Kindercare, 814-238-3955; Kids Court, 814-238-3300; and, Easter Seals, 814-238-4434.  

To support family participation in the conference, a Children's Institute will be available. This institute is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Services are provided by the Central Intermediate Unit #10, using trained professional and support staff. The institute offers an on-site, structured, and fun environment for children and youth (ages 2 to 21) with autism, and their siblings, who are Pennsylvania residents. Registration is limited to 100 participants for whom we receive completed registration packets.

Since the number of applicants exceeds our capacity, registration preference will be based objectively on a number of factors (e.g., first-time registrants, timely submission of completed registration forms). Only children who have received a confirmation will be able to participate. Drop-off care is not available.

The registration process (deadline is June 30):

Important Information: Keep in mind that a parent or guardian must be in The Penn Stater building and must be accessible (by cell phone, e.g.) during all Children's Institute hours. Also, families that have previously been accepted for enrollment but did not call to cancel when their plans changed are not eligible to participate.

Step One:

Registration here will be available online until June 30. It is strongly suggested that you register at this Web site. However, if you do not have Internet access, you can call 800-982-3375 and talk with Cherie Neely at ext. 3596 or Dawn Moss at ext. 3024 to request a registration packet. A registration packet will be sent to you by postal mail or e-mail.

Step Two:

Complete the registration packet in full for each child participating.

Step Three:

Return the completed forms by June 30, either by completing the online registration form, or by mailing the forms to the address provided in your packet. Although early registration is helpful, it does not guarantee placement in the Children's Institute. You may receive a follow-up phone call in order to clarify or obtain information.

Step Four:

Your completed registration packet will be reviewed. Once an enrollment determination is made, you will either:

  1. receive a confirmation, either by mail or e-mail with a registration number OR
  2. be notified of full capacity and availability on a waiting list.

Please note: Your child is not officially registered until you receive the confirmation notice and registration number. No child will be admitted to the Children's Institute without a confirmed registration.

Step Five:

Bring your registration confirmation postcard to the Children's Institute.

Important Information: If you change your child's attendance plans in any way, please notify JoEllen at 800-982-3375, ext. 3074, by July 10 so that others can have the opportunity.

If you have questions or concerns, please call 800-982-3375, Cherie Neely at ext. 3596 or Dawn Moss at ext. 3024.