Scranton, PA: K-2 autism support center "to keep up with rising autism rates in district"

July 15, 2026, WBRE/WYOU: New autism center under construction | 28/22 News

New additions are coming to one local school district in the form of more autism-support classrooms. It’s all in an effort to meet students where their needs are. 28/22 News Reporter Colby Hughes was able to see the progress and explained what this could add to the community.

What is an active construction zone this summer will soon be transformed into a new addition for the Scranton School District. This new autism support center called, Monticello East, will be dedicated to kids from kindergarten to second grade.

Scranton School District Superintendent, Dr. Erin Keating, said, “It’s a resource need. Our job is to make sure we give kids the education they deserve, and our students who are autistic need a little bit more.”

Dr. Keating said the center is being added to keep up with rising autism rates in the district. Parents say they have noticed a difference in their children who are in classes tailored to them. . . .

Monticello East will open its first eight classrooms in the 2026-2027 school year, and 10 more will follow once the building is complete. All with the help of state senators and representatives to help fund this project.