Shoreline Center for Exceptional Students

12/05/2025

There’s something extra special about December at Shoreline. The lights get a little brighter, the days feel a little cozier, and the opportunities to learn and grow together are everywhere.

This month, our life skills focus is on cooperation and compromise. From decorating our Christmas tree as a team to sharing materials and taking turns during activities, our students are practicing what it means to work together toward a common goal.

This season reminds us that kindness, patience, and joyful giving are skills that can be nurtured every single day. And when our students come together to support and celebrate one another, that’s where the real magic happens.

We’re looking forward to a month filled with teamwork, holiday cheer, and meaningful moments of connection. Here’s to learning, giving, and growing—together.

🌟🎄❤️

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from the cast of Sonic! (reference photo at the end for those not deep into the franchise like some of us 😂)
Hoping everyone has a fun and safe night! 👻

10/03/2025

Goodbye, September 🍂 Hello, October! 👻

September was packed with fun, learning, and lots of smiles here at Shoreline Center. We had a field trip to Piggly Wiggly, where students put their life skills unit into action by practicing grocery shopping. We also enjoyed sweet rewards throughout the month at McDonald’s and Sweet Buns Donuts, making September a month full of growth, laughter, and memories.

Now it’s officially spooky season.. our favorite time of the year! We can’t wait for all the fall fun ahead, especially our annual group costume on Halloween🎃

09/25/2025

🔬🧩 STEM is Everyday Play 🧩🔬

When you hear STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), you might picture labs or robotics. But for our learners, STEM often looks like marble runs, building with blocks, or even assembling the game Mouse Trap.

These hands-on activities teach problem solving, cause and effect, creativity, and persistence. Every time an individual tests a ramp, rebuilds a tower, or experiments with “what happens if…” — they’re doing STEM.

At Shoreline, we love STEM because it gives our students with diverse needs the chance to learn by doing. Whether it’s on the floor, at a desk, with lights dimmed, or while balancing on a swivel board, STEM makes learning meaningful and fun. 💙🌊

💡 Parent Tip: Encourage STEM at home with everyday items — blocks, Legos, cardboard boxes, or recyclables. The process of building and problem solving is where the learning happens.

09/17/2025

🧩✨ Myth vs. Fact ✨🧩

Myth: ABA therapy is only about correcting behavior.
Fact: ABA is about teaching skills, communication, independence, social interaction, and using positive reinforcement to help people thrive.

At Shoreline, we use ABA strategies in our classrooms and therapy sessions to create learning opportunities all day long. That might look like:
✅ Practicing communication through play and peer interaction
✅ Using positive reinforcement to celebrate small successes that build big skills
✅ Breaking down complex tasks (like brushing teeth or completing assignments) into manageable steps so individuals can succeed and feel confident

Our goal isn’t to “fix” behavior. It’s to teach meaningful skills that help people grow, connect, and shine. 💙🌊

09/12/2025

🗓️ Why Routine Matters 🗓️

Routines create safety and predictability. For many children with autism, knowing what comes next takes away uncertainty and allows them to focus on learning instead of worrying about transitions.

Each successful step in the day builds confidence! Over time, that sense of security opens the door for independence, flexibility, and growth. 🌟

At Shoreline, we use daily routines to give our students the structure they need to feel secure while still leaving room for fun and new experiences.

💡 Parent Tip: Try using a simple visual schedule at home for routines like bedtime or getting ready for school. It gives children a clear roadmap and helps transitions feel easier.

09/06/2025

📚✨ Happy National Read a Book Day! ✨📚

Books open doors to imagination, learning, and connection. Whether it’s practicing sight words, exploring favorite stories, or enjoying read-aloud time together, reading is one of the most powerful ways to grow.

At Shoreline, we love turning reading into an adventure, because every page is a new opportunity to learn! 💙🌊

💡 Tip for parents: As you read with your child, try asking simple questions about what’s on the page (“Where’s the dog?” or “What color is the flower?”).
For more advanced readers, ask more critical thinking questions like “How do you think the character feels?” or “Why do you think that happened?” These small conversations turn story time into powerful learning moments.

What’s your child’s favorite book right now? Share it with us in the comments! 👇

09/01/2025

✨ Goodbye, August! Hello, September! ✨

We’ve had such a wonderful start to the school year! Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed back our friends, met some amazing new ones, and filled our days with learning, laughter, and fun. From playing games together in the classroom to taking a field trip to Chick-fil-A, it’s already shaping up to be a memorable year.

We can’t wait to see all the growth, adventures, and milestones September will bring! 💙📚🌟

07/23/2025

🎈We’re Hiring at Shoreline Center! 🎈

Do you love helping kids grow, learn, and shine in their own unique way? At Shoreline Center for Exceptional Students in Port St. Joe, FL, we’re looking for compassionate, energetic support staff members to join our team!

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), take the opportunity to be part of a school where every child is deeply known, celebrated, and supported.

🤩About the Position:
• This is a school-based aide/assistant role
• Part-time position (8:30a-2:00p)
• Must pass a background check
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be reliable, engaging, and willing to put your phone away during the school day
• Experience is a plus, but not a must.


👀What We’re Looking For:

• Someone who brings energy, creativity, and playfulness into their day
• Not afraid to get silly, play pretend, or act out a favorite movie scene
• Consistent, reliable, and confident in following behavior plans
• A team player who shows up on time, stays engaged throughout the day, and jumps in where needed
• Someone who truly enjoys connecting with kids and seeing them succeed

🎁 What We Offer:
• A shorter 6.5-hour day
• Extremely small group sizes
• A joyful, supportive, and family-like work environment
• Direct collaboration with a BCBA and RBTs
• Paid training and opportunities to grow
• The chance to truly impact the life of a child

To apply, send a message to: [email protected] or visit shorelinecenter.org for more information!

Come make a difference with us 💙💛

What’s New at Shoreline Join our team at Shoreline Center for Exceptional Students! We’re looking for compassionate, dependable individuals to support our students as instructional aides and one-on-one support staff. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with ...

12/19/2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We had a very merry holiday. One of those magical days where everyone received exactly what they wanted❤️💚✨💚❤️ The "Big Guy" himself recognized these amazing kiddos in a shoutout we all watched, entranced and impressed, that will not soon be forgotten🤩❤️🎅

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween from Neverland! 💚💛🎃