Wyoming Valley Children's Association enjoys a rich history in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established in 1924, the agency has grown and changed to keep pace with the changing needs of children.
Historical Highlights
- In 1924 Wyoming Valley Children's Association was established by the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club and a local orthopedic surgeon to address the orthopedic needs of local children. The new clinic would minimize the need for out-of-town care which was too costly for most families.
- The mission of the organization, then named Wyoming Valley Crippled Children's Association, was to respond to the need for treatment of childhood tuberculosis, polio and cerebral palsy.
- In 1948, the agency affiliated with the Easter Seal Society and became a preeminent resource, both locally and state-wide, for the treatment of the crippling diseases of that time.
- The 1950's saw new legislation that favored comprehensive speech, physical and occupational therapy for school-aged children. The Children's Association expanded its focus to address these therapeutic needs for preschool children.
- In the 1960's and 70's there was growing national recognition of the importance of Early Childhood Education programs for younger children, particularly those who also had developmental disabilities.
- In 1974 the agency established an Early Identification Clinic to screen preschool children and prioritize their therapeutic needs.
- In 1985 the agency name was changed to WYOMING VALLEY CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION (WVCA) and the Easter Seal affiliation was discontinued.
Recent Milestones
1997
Formed a partnership with Luzerne County Head Start. Classrooms included typical children as well as children with developmental disabilities. The success of this program prompted WVCA to establish inclusive enrollment in most of their classrooms.
1999
Montessori Approach was incorporated into the WVCA Early Childhood Education Program. Montessori-trained and certified teachers were hired.
2001
WVCA earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of the Young Child.
2001
The ABC preschool classroom for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was established.
2003
WVCA offered a Therapeutic Listening Program for children with auditory processing difficulties.
2005
WVCA was awarded the Standards For Excellence certification by the Pennsylvania Association
2007
Purchased Regis Elementary School in Forty Fort, PA. Renovations begin.
