Frequently Asked Questions
Answers and support for families, caregivers, and community members
How Can We Help?
At Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we’re committed to making it easier for families to access therapy services, educational programs, childcare, recreational opportunities, and community support.
Whether you’re exploring services for your child, looking for educational programs, or interested in getting involved through volunteering or giving, we’ve gathered answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.
For Parents Seeking Educational Services
(Preschool & Daycare)
Schreiber offers two inclusive early childhood programs in Lancaster, PA:
- Circle of Friends Academy Child Care provides daycare for infants through Pre-K in a safe, nurturing environment where children of all abilities learn and grow together.
- S.T.A.R.S. Preschool prepares children ages 3–5 for kindergarten through inclusive classroom experiences that support social, emotional, and academic development.
Circle of Friends Academy daycare serves children from 6 weeks through Pre-K, while S.T.A.R.S. Preschool is designed for children ages 3–5.
Yes. Both Circle of Friends Academy and S.T.A.R.S. Preschool provide inclusive learning environments where children of all abilities learn side by side. Our programs are designed to foster friendship, confidence, understanding, and individualized growth.
Circle of Friends Academy is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
S.T.A.R.S. Preschool offers morning sessions from 9:00–11:30 AM and afternoon sessions from 1:00–3:30 PM. Children attend either two days per week (Tuesday/Thursday) or three days per week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday).
Circle of Friends Academy maintains the following classroom ratios:
- Infants: 1 adult for every 4 children
- Toddlers: 1 adult for every 6 children
- Preschool: 1 adult for every 10 children
At S.T.A.R.S. Preschool, there is 1 adult for every 6 children.
Circle of Friends Academy uses the Mother Goose Curriculum to support early learning through play, sensory exploration, and fine and gross motor activities.
S.T.A.R.S. Preschool uses the Creative Curriculum, which focuses on individualized instruction, developmental milestones, and kindergarten readiness.
Circle of Friends Academy provides snacks, while families supply lunches. The center is nut- and egg-free, and dietary restrictions are accommodated whenever possible.
S.T.A.R.S. Preschool provides snacks and works with families to support allergies and dietary needs.
Children are supervised at all times, and staff members complete CPR, First Aid, mandated reporting, universal precautions, and fire safety training.
Our facility includes secured entry points and safety procedures designed to create a safe, supportive environment for all children.
Our experienced staff work closely with families to understand each child’s unique strengths and needs. Through individualized support, inclusive classrooms, and collaboration with therapy providers when appropriate, we help children build confidence and succeed in the classroom environment.
Circle of Friends Academy staff complete ongoing annual training in early childhood education and child development, with many team members holding bachelor’s degrees or Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials.
S.T.A.R.S. Preschool teachers and assistants have backgrounds in education, inclusive learning environments, and supporting children with diverse developmental needs.
Tuition varies by program and schedule. For current tuition rates and program details, please visit the Circle of Friends Academy and S.T.A.R.S. Preschool pages.
Yes.
Circle of Friends Academy accepts Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) funding, and S.T.A.R.S. Preschool offers tuition assistance opportunities through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program for eligible families.
Families can learn more about each program, schedule a tour, and begin the enrollment process by visiting our Circle of Friends Academy or S.T.A.R.S. Preschool pages.
For Parents Seeking Therapy Services
(Speech, Occupational, & Physical)
If your child is experiencing challenges with speech, movement, coordination, feeding, daily activities, or developmental milestones, therapy may be beneficial. We encourage families to speak with their child’s physician about any concerns and explore whether an evaluation is appropriate.
Schreiber provides pediatric speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy services for children from infancy through young adulthood. Our therapists work together across specialties when appropriate to create individualized care plans that support each child’s unique goals and development.
We provide therapy services for infants, children, teens, and young adults up to age 21.
To begin services, your child will need a referral from their physician. Visit our How to Obtain Services page to learn more about the process and next steps.
Your child’s first appointment is focused on getting to know them—their strengths, interests, challenges, and goals. Our therapists also take time to learn about your family’s concerns and priorities so we can build a personalized plan of care together.
Therapy frequency depends on your child’s individual needs and goals. Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes and may occur 1–3 times per week. Your therapist will regularly review progress with you and discuss recommendations for ongoing care.
Every child’s therapy plan is individualized based on their strengths, challenges, interests, and developmental goals. Our therapists use engaging, child-centered approaches to keep children motivated while helping them build important skills.
We also encourage parents and caregivers to be active participants throughout the therapy process and support continued progress at home.
Therapists monitor progress throughout each child’s plan of care and regularly review goals with families. We track measurable growth in areas such as communication, mobility, independence, feeding, and daily living skills while adjusting therapy plans as needed.
Absolutely. We believe family involvement is an important part of a child’s success, and we encourage parents and caregivers to participate whenever possible.
Yes. Schreiber accepts most major insurance plans for therapy services, including many Medicaid plans.
Families without insurance may qualify for our self-pay courtesy discount scale.
To learn more, contact our Social Services and Family Support leader:
Jen Bachman
717-393-0425 ext. 158
jbachman@schreiberpediatric.org
For People Looking to Support Our Mission
(Volunteer, Career, Fieldwork, & Community Involvement)
We’re always looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team. Visit our Careers page to explore current openings and learn more about working at Schreiber.
Yes. Schreiber offers shadowing and fieldwork opportunities for students exploring careers in healthcare, education, therapy, or nonprofit service.
Visit our Shadowing & Fieldwork Opportunities page to learn more and connect with the appropriate coordinator.
Volunteers support Schreiber in many different ways—from assisting at special events and Camp Schreiber to helping with administrative projects and facility support.
Whether you’re looking to give your time regularly or help with a one-time event, we’d love to connect you with opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
Volunteer requirements vary depending on the role and may include applications, clearances, or age requirements.
The minimum volunteer age is:
- 14 years old for most opportunities
- 16 years old for Camp Schreiber
Additional details can be found on our Volunteer page.
No. Whether you can give an hour, a day, or ongoing support throughout the year, we appreciate every contribution. We offer a variety of opportunities with flexible levels of commitment.
Schreiber hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the Rubber Duckie Race & Festival and Gala. Families, businesses, and community members can support these events by attending, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating.
Visit our Events page to learn more.
Absolutely. Community-led fundraisers help support therapy services, educational programs, recreation opportunities, and family-centered care for children of all abilities.
Whether you’re planning a bake sale, charity run, workplace fundraiser, or another creative event, we’d love to partner with you.
Every gift of time, talent, or financial support helps Schreiber provide therapy services, inclusive education and childcare programs, recreational opportunities, and specialized care for children and families across central Pennsylvania.
Your support helps children build confidence, gain independence, and reach milestones that may once have felt out of reach.
For People Looking to Give to Schreiber
(Donation, Fundraising, Sponsorship, & Legacy Giving)
Every donation helps Schreiber provide therapy services, inclusive education and childcare programs, recreational opportunities, and specialized support for children and families across central Pennsylvania.
Your generosity helps children build confidence, gain independence, and reach milestones that may once have felt out of reach.
You can make a one-time or recurring gift through our secure online donation portal or by mailing a check directly to Schreiber.
Visit our donation page or learn more about ways to give.
Schreiber accepts many types of charitable gifts, including:
- One-time donations
- Recurring monthly gifts
- Gifts of stock or securities
- Corporate and foundation support
- Planned or estate gifts
- Community fundraising donations
Yes. Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is a nonprofit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Our giving societies recognize donors whose generosity helps sustain and grow Schreiber’s mission.
Visit our Giving Societies page to learn more.
Legacy giving allows you to support Schreiber through your estate plans, including wills, trusts, retirement accounts, or beneficiary designations.
Visit our Legacy Giving page to learn more about creating a lasting impact for children and families.
Businesses can support Schreiber through event sponsorships, corporate giving, matching gift programs, volunteer involvement, and community partnerships.
Visit our Corporate Giving page to learn how your partnership helps provide critical support for children and families throughout central Pennsylvania.
Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple charitable donations made by employees or retirees.
To request a matching gift:
- Obtain the matching gift form from your employer
- Complete and submit the form with your donation
- Schreiber will verify the gift and return the completed form to your employer
Matching gift forms can be mailed to:
Fund Development
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development
625 Community Way
Lancaster, PA 17603
Or emailed to:
dsunday@schreiberpediatric.org
Absolutely. Community-led fundraisers play an important role in supporting Schreiber’s mission.
Whether you’re organizing a charity run, bake sale, workplace fundraiser, or another creative event, your support helps children and families access essential services and programs.
Visit our Community Fundraising page to learn more.
Ways to Give
Donating to the Schreiber Center is an investment in a child’s future.
Your contributions allow us to continue offering life-changing services to children in need, providing them with the tools and support to achieve their dreams. Whether through one-time gifts, recurring donations, or legacy giving, your generosity makes a lasting difference in the lives of Schreiber kids.