EmpowerEd Learning

June 22-26, 2026 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

This week is all about learning through hands-on, meaningful fun. Students will build reading, math, blending, Fundations, multisensory learning, center-based learning, teamwork, and executive functioning skills while preparing for our Friday lemonade stand celebration.

Throughout the week, students will design flyers, create their own branded shirts, make signs, practice counting money, and work together to bring their lemonade stand ideas to life.

Lunch and recess are included daily.

EmpowerEd Summer Enrichment is neurodivergent-friendly, small group, and led by a certified special education teacher.

To register or ask questions, email:
[email protected]

We would love to welcome a few more friends for our first week of summer fun!

🧪💚 Teen Slime Lab Was a Success! 💜🧪

What happens when you combine slime, basketball, nachos, gummy worms, and a great group of teens?

A night full of laughter, conversation, connection, and fun.

During our Teen Slime Lab, the teens experimented with different slime creations, enjoyed our Loaded Nacho Bar, tried some new foods, and discovered that they had more in common than they realized. We even learned that some of our teens see each other in the hallways during the school day!

One of my favorite moments of the evening was our basketball challenge. Watching the teens encourage one another, show off their competitive sides, celebrate successes, and navigate a few opportunities for impulse control (without even realizing it!) reminded me that social skills are often built during the moments that feel the most natural and enjoyable.

We also discovered that we may have some budding biologists among us as our young scientists carefully experimented with ingredients, compared slime textures, and shared their observations with the group.

Most importantly, we watched friendships continue to grow in a space where teens can feel comfortable being themselves.

At EmpowerEd, our social groups are about more than activities. They are about creating meaningful opportunities for connection, confidence-building, communication, and community in a neurodivergent-friendly environment.

Thank you to our wonderful teens and families for making tonight such a special evening. We can’t wait to see everyone again at our next Teen Social Night! 💚💜

Last night, we hosted our very first EmpowerEd Power Hour, and my heart is full.

While our group was small, it created the perfect opportunity for meaningful conversation. We spent time discussing real parenting challenges, sharing experiences, offering support, and reminding one another of something every parent needs to hear:

There is no handbook for parenting, and you do not have to figure it all out alone.

One of the most powerful parts of the evening was realizing that many of the struggles we carry quietly are being experienced by other parents too. Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t a solution—it’s knowing that someone else truly understands.

At EmpowerEd, we believe parents deserve a space where they can show up exactly as they are, speak openly, ask questions, celebrate victories, and discuss challenges without fear of judgment. That is the community we are committed to building.

We’re excited to share that EmpowerEd Power Hour will continue as a FREE monthly gathering for parents. Our goal is simple: to grow a community rooted in support, connection, understanding, and respect.

If you’re looking for a group of parents who understand the ups and downs of raising children, navigating diagnoses, advocating for supports, managing behaviors, celebrating milestones, and everything in between, we would love for you to join us at our next EmpowerEd Power Hour in July.

Because parenting was never meant to be done alone. 💙

A little peek into our Homeschool Learning Pod at EmpowerEd! 💜✨

Over the past few weeks, our friends have been busy growing, creating, moving, exploring, and learning together. From caring for plants and completing hands-on projects to movement breaks, snack prep, themed activities, and cozy group moments, our sessions are full of opportunities to practice independence, teamwork, communication, following directions, and confidence-building.

At EmpowerEd, we love creating a space where kids can learn at their own pace, feel supported, and build real-life skills through meaningful play and connection.

We are so proud of our Learning Pod friends and all the growth happening in the small moments. 🌱🐠

New Jersey families with children who have IEPs — this is important to know.

A new IEP notice requirement went into effect for the 2025–2026 school year, but many families still do not know about it.

Under this law, schools are required to provide parents/guardians with certain information at least **two business days before the annual IEP meeting**. This includes:

• A written statement of the items that will be discussed
• The student’s current academic and functional performance
• The names of any required IEP team members seeking to be excused from the meeting, along with their input
• An invitation for the parent/guardian to provide input and feedback about the proposed programs and services

This matters because parents should not be walking into IEP meetings without enough time to review important information, prepare questions, and meaningfully participate in the conversation.

At EmpowerEd Learning, we believe informed families are empowered families. If you have an upcoming annual IEP meeting, it is okay to ask when you can expect to receive this information ahead of time.

Parents deserve clarity. Students deserve thoughtful planning. And the IEP table should never feel like a surprise party nobody asked for.



https://www.njleg.gov/bill-search/2024/S3982/bill-text?f=S4000&n=3982_I1&fbclid=IwZnRzaARzN7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeNpsdZ4L0A5VqovCEN8eNzVAaaH57BcbASdsRD8JvkKX-iPprG1THwjhmJ-g_aem_YWdncwBBDPqeP6irgPi_awr0zh-w&brid=YWdncwG_VgORPAU2IACVdkHHVnAo

NJ Legislature The New Jersey State Legislature

🌮🧱 Build-It Bash at EmpowerEd! 🧱🌮

Our kiddos had such a fun night building tacos, building towers, and building friendships!

During our social night, friends practiced executive functioning skills by preparing their own tacos, strengthening fine motor skills by cutting toppings, and showing flexibility by trying a new taco sauce. Spoiler alert: the sauce did not win the popularity contest, but the bravery definitely did!

The fun continued with Jenga, where our friends practiced patience, focus, and problem-solving. They also worked together during a Magnatile tower challenge, showing teamwork, communication, and persistence as they planned, adjusted, and kept trying.

One of the sweetest parts of the evening was watching the kiddos connect through guided conversation at dinner as they talked about school, field trips, strawberry picking, and shared experiences.

We love creating neurodivergent-friendly spaces where kids can practice social skills in real, meaningful, and fun ways.

Our next kids’ social night is Slime Lab Night on Friday, June 20th! 🧪✨

📧 To register, email [email protected]

🎉 Today, EmpowerEd Learning turns ONE! 🎉

One year ago, EmpowerEd was just an idea. A dream of creating a place where students could receive individualized support, build confidence, develop meaningful skills, and feel celebrated for exactly who they are.

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of serving incredible students and families throughout our community. Together, we’ve worked through challenges, celebrated milestones, learned new skills, made new friends, and discovered that growth looks different for every learner.

What makes us most proud isn’t the number of sessions we’ve held or programs we’ve launched. It’s the moments in between: the student who finally believed in themselves, the parent who felt heard and supported, the friendship that formed during a social group, and the smile after accomplishing something that once felt impossible.

To every family who trusted us with your child, thank you. To every student who walked through our doors, thank you. To every friend, teacher, therapist, and community member who supported our mission, thank you.

EmpowerEd has always been about something bigger than education. It’s about empowering learners, supporting families, and building a community where every child can thrive.

Here’s to an incredible first year and an even brighter future ahead. ❤️

Happy Birthday, EmpowerEd!