The Watson Institute

The Watson Institute A leader in special education, The Watson Institute helps children with special needs achieve their

Since 1917 the Watson Institute has served children with disabilities in Sewickley, PA and the surrounding communities. What started as a residential home for children in the historic Sewickley countryside has grown to four special education school locations in Western Pennsylvania providing specialized services to support children with complex needs. The Watson Institute, through its family of sc

hools and services, helps children and youth with special needs to achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. Watson strives to provide programs that serve the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments, and emotional challenges with diagnostic, educational and therapeutic support; support to the families of these children through education, counseling, and outpatient services; and training and technical support to educators, psychologists, therapists and others working in this field. To learn more about the Watson Institute, visit us online at:
https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org

08/13/2026

Are you or someone you know looking for a rewarding job opportunity in a special education classroom setting? We’re hiring classroom support staff at our Education Center programs in Sewickley and Bridgeville! Behavior Technicians and Paraprofessionals (Instructional Aides) help students with special needs navigate school days successfully. Learn more and apply today!

https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/careers/job-opportunities/

We’re excited to announce: Connection Club - a social skills group for middle school-age students launching in September...
08/12/2026

We’re excited to announce: Connection Club - a social skills group for middle school-age students launching in September!

JaQuia Lowe, a licensed mental health therapist, will guide the group through weekly discussions on topics such as emotional resilience, self-confidence, and building a foundation in social skills. Registration is open through the end of August! Sign up today!

https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/programs/psychological-services/request-appointment/

Students at the Education Center Sewickley took center stage for the annual spring Talent Show, where they had the oppor...
08/06/2026

Students at the Education Center Sewickley took center stage for the annual spring Talent Show, where they had the opportunity to share their unique talents in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Every student who shared their gift was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from their peers. Events like the Talent Show help students build confidence, express themselves, and celebrate their uniqueness.

We're so proud of every student who had the courage to step into the spotlight and share their talents with our school community.

Thank you to the Burger King Foundation and Kids In Need Foundation for their generous support of our schools! Their don...
08/04/2026

Thank you to the Burger King Foundation and Kids In Need Foundation for their generous support of our schools! Their donation of "Supply a Teacher" kits helps ensure our educators and students have the essential resources they need to start the school year strong.

The kits are filled with school essentials like pencils, glue sticks, folders, paper, and much more to give our students the tools they need to head into the new school year ready to learn and succeed.

Thank you for your partnership!

Learning is most powerful when students can truly take part in it. Paris Lyons, a teacher at the Education Center South,...
07/30/2026

Learning is most powerful when students can truly take part in it.

Paris Lyons, a teacher at the Education Center South, created a “Go with the Flow” interactive bulletin board that provided a hands-on learning experience for students of all abilities. At the center was a colorful jellyfish made from recycled plastic bottles, helping students explore sustainability and creative reuse in a visually engaging way.

Students followed step-by-step directions to create jellyfish tentacles using colored wire, recycled plastic bottle pieces, and a hole punch, then added their work to the display. This interactive activity supported fine motor development, sequencing skills, and the ability to follow multi-step instructions.

Activities like this help make learning more accessible and engaging for students with disabilities by meeting them where they are and building skills through tangible sensory experiences.

We’re grateful for our educators as they combine creativity with purpose in all aspects of their students’ daily routines.

Thank you, PNC! We’re so grateful for the continued partnership of PNC through its Grow Up Great program and its ongoing...
07/29/2026

Thank you, PNC! We’re so grateful for the continued partnership of PNC through its Grow Up Great program and its ongoing support of the Watson Institute’s schools in Sewickley and Bridgeville.

With its most recent contribution, PNC has now donated more than $27,000 to our schools through grants that match the volunteer hours of PNC employees. Beyond their financial support, PNC team members have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours, helping with memorable events like prom and lending a hand on projects that enrich our students' educational experience.

Together, we're creating more opportunities for children with disabilities to learn, grow, and achieve their fullest potential.

Thank you to our friends at PNC and every PNC volunteer who has shared their time, talents, and generosity with our students. Your commitment makes a lasting difference!

A huge thank you to HerbieGives for spending the day with our students and staff. From handing out HerbieGives t-shirts,...
07/23/2026

A huge thank you to HerbieGives for spending the day with our students and staff. From handing out HerbieGives t-shirts, to creating a fun photo booth for our students.

Seeing the smiles, laughter, and excitement throughout the day was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when community partners come together to support children with disabilities. We are grateful to HerbieGives for sharing our belief that every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and supported.

Thank you to the entire HerbieGives team for your generosity, enthusiasm, and partnership. We appreciate all you do to help create joyful experiences for the children and families we serve!

What makes LEAP Preschool unique? For Charlie’s parents, it’s how his teachers adapted his environment to meet his needs...
07/22/2026

What makes LEAP Preschool unique? For Charlie’s parents, it’s how his teachers adapted his environment to meet his needs and gave him the tools to thrive! Not only does Charlie now love going to school, he gets to attend in a way that makes him comfortable, in a classroom with supports that help him have successful school days!

With rolling admission, you can enroll your typically developing child when they turn 3 up to age 5! We’re enrolling students in Sharpsburg for full and half-day sessions - learn how to register!

https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/schools/leap/

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14127411800

Website

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