 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
News & Events
Spotlight on Research
Spotlight on Research: The Experimental Education Unit: Where Tomorrow’s Special Education is in Practice Today
"When Becca arrived at the EEU, she stood on wobbly legs; each step was a struggle; she spoke only in short, monosyllabic bursts and most of what she said was unintelligible. If she had never learned to stand on her own, we would love her. If she had never learned to walk with a confident step, we would love her. If she had never learned to speak with clarity, we would love her still. But through her experiences at the EEU, she now stands firmly; she runs with the wind; and she speaks a never-ending dialogue of wonder."
Gary Brose, EEU parent
The Experimental Education Unit (EEU) provides comprehensive early childhood services to children and their families from the greater Seattle area. Housed on the UW campus, the EEU offers a three-fold program of professional training, research, and services to children and families. The goal of the classroom programs at the EEU is to provide a positive educational experience to children with diverse activities in a setting that enhances the strengths and supports the needs of all the children; and provides them with opportunities to build memberships, establish relationships, and develop functional skills.
An Early Childhood Center
EEU programs annually serve over 200 children with diverse abilities, ranging in age from a few weeks to 7 years. Core programs include six integrated preschool classrooms, two full day kindergarten programs, an Early Childhood Education and Assistance program and an Infant Toddler program. Project DATA (Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism) is a program designed to meet the needs of young children with autism by blending the strengths of different disciplines such as early childhood education, early childhood special education, and applied behavior analysis.
A major goal of the EEU is to promote social integration between children, with and without disabilities, across all parts of the school day. Children with disabilities are educated alongside their typically developing peers; and support services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are provided in the classroom setting instead of pulling children out. Close cooperation with local education agencies ensures the proper placement for children with disabilities once they leave the program.
The EEU fosters a community atmosphere, which encompasses teachers, children and their parents. Family programs include access to counseling and training in how to supplement their child’s education, a parent support and education network, and a program specifically for fathers in the Infant Toddler program. Principal Jennifer Annable has been at the EEU for almost 20 years, and according to Annabel Garcia-Andersen, an EEU staff member whose daughter is a student, "It’s amazing how she knows every kid, every parent."
A Research Center
Research projects at the EEU search for solutions to critical issues in special education and find new ways to educate children with disabilities. They develop teaching models and best practices used worldwide. The EEU functions as part of both the UW College of Education and Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD), and has always been directed by Special Education faculty. It is the only administrative unit at the UW with an independent budget, receiving funding from state, contract and grant money.
EEU Director, Rick Neel, explains the three missions of the EEU as "research, first and foremost, professional development, and providing school service. The research focus is applied or inductive, meaning a problem is identified and studied, the solution is developed and demonstrated, and then we help others implement the programs into their schools." The EEU has between 25 and 30 grants running at a time, from small projects to ones covering the entire state. Some current projects include a study of age appropriate treatment for children with autism, an early intervention project for children at risk for developing behavioral disorders, and a professional development program designed to provide quality preschool to children in Washington’s migrant communities.
A Training Center
Undergraduate and graduate students in special education and other disciplines (social work, psychology, speech and hearing sciences, occupational and physical therapy, nursing and pediatric medicine), as well as Head Start/ECEAP and public school teachers, obtain valuable training and experience in EEU classrooms under the supervision of master teachers and faculty. Many EEU trainees have become distinguished leaders in education and other fields.
A national trend toward including children at all levels of ability and disability in regular school classrooms makes the EEU an increasingly important center for learning. Two of the many collaborative projects include the Partnership Project with the Seattle School District, and work with the UW Center for Architecture and Education, which resulted in two new play courts.
An Enriching Experience
The EEU children’s early lives are enriched by having well-trained teachers, a high ratio of adults to children, a strong curriculum, and an extraordinary experience. EEU parent Kathy Bylenok says, "The community at the EEU has taught my ‘typically developing’ kids so many rich values I hope they will cherish for a lifetime. They have no fear of people who are different from them. Instead they look beyond what we see with our eyes and embrace a universal humanness."
Multimedia
History of the EEU
1960s: The EEU began in 1960 as a privately funded pilot school for children with neurological injuries. In 1969, the EEU moved to its present location on the UW campus.
1970s: Effective classroom strategies were developed with Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
1980s: Demonstrated that children with and without disabilities can learn together and benefit from inclusive preschools.
Initiated longitudinal study of preschool curricula.
1990s: Pioneered methods for teaching children with autism and ways to support their families.
Began using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to teach non-verbal children how to communicate their wants and needs.
2000 and beyond: Continue to develop leaders in the field and maintain a standard of excellence.
Provide resources, training and technical assistance on "best practices" to early childhood programs worldwide.
Get Involved!
You can help build a future for children with disabilities! Outside support is essential to maintain the EEU’s current level of excellence and to respond to schools’ current and growing needs for support in special education. Supporting the EEU will have a profound impact on the lives of children, schools, and families now and in years to come.
You can attend the EEU auctions, or you can contribute to the EEU Endowment. For more opportunities to get involved, call 206-543-4011 or visit the EEU website.