Anderson Early Learning Academy

Some people think early childhood teachers just get to play all day…
Just so you know—it’s not ALL day

AELA would like to thank all of our teachers for everything they do every single day, and especially all of the early childhood educators, who turn play into purpose and learning into magic.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

We would like to shout out and thank all of our hardworking Occupational Therapists at Anderson Center for Autism and Anderson Early Learning Academy!

Elaine K.
Joanna H.
Maggie B.
Kelly D.
Rachel V.

Team members from Anderson Center Clinic and Anderson Early Learning Academy participated in the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region Hero 5k & Walk for Autism. It was a beautiful day to unite with families! We were also a proud Silver Hero Sponsor of this event!

Thrive & Shine - an enriching summer program located in Latham, NY for children with autism.

Anderson Center Clinic is offering an ABA group-based program to provide a structured and enhanced summer experience for learners aged 4-7 years old.

🌟July 6th through August 21st (Application deadline is June 1st)
🌟Monday through Friday from 9AM to 12PM, parent transportation required
🌟Assessments will be scheduled after June 1st
🌟Acceptance will be based on assessment outcomes and on a first come first served basis
🌟We are accepting private pay or insurance for payment

Interested in signing up? Reach out to us today!
Phone: (518) 641-1119 option 3, option 2
Email: [email protected]

https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/thriveandshine/

At AELA Pine Plains, our students celebrated Earth Day through hands on learning during our Tree Study. This art project supported fine motor development, sensory exploration, creativity, and early science concepts, while giving students meaningful opportunities to express themselves. Experiences like these help build early learning foundations through play and exploration.

At AELA, we believe environmental awareness starts early.

Our students celebrated Earth Day with hands-on creativity learning that caring for our planet starts with small actions and big hearts.

Ashlie Symer, Clinic Director and Dan Rounds, Director of Early Childhood Education attended Autism Action Day at the NYS Capitol, hosted by Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara.

They engaged in important conversations on acceptance, equity, and widening access to services, grounded by the voices and experiences of autistic self-advocates and community members!

On Friday, AELA students and staff participated in Abby's Pajama Day fundraiser in support of the Anderson Foundation for Autism and Autism Acceptance Month.

Pajama Day helps raise awareness and donations that directly support Anderson Center for Autism and its mission to optimize quality of life for individuals with autism!

As spring continues to bloom, AELA students are taking time to learn all about trees!

AELA Latham Classroom 5 explored creativity and nature by making beautiful tree collages. The children were engaged, curious, and proud to share their work!

Skills practiced included:
• Fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, grasping)
• Creativity and imagination
• Visual attention and task engagement
• Language development through discussion and labeling
• Following directions.

We love seeing learning come to life through hands-on, meaningful activities!

Community Collaboration in Action!

We’re excited to share that Adaptive Design of the Hudson Valley partnered with adults from the Anderson Center for Autism Saugerties Day Hab to create these amazing, weighted blocks for the students of Anderson Early Learning Academy!

These thoughtfully designed materials support sensory play, creativity, and exploration—while also highlighting the power of collaboration, inclusion, and meaningful work across our community.

The fun, learning, and lifelong connections made through this project are truly endless!