In 2002, Schools for Children launched Dearborn STEP as a 45-day program to support students referred by their public schools for assessment. To ensure the program met community needs, Schools for Children surveyed special education directors to identify gaps in available services. District leaders shared that they needed a program where students, while temporarily excluded from their home schools, could continue their academic studies as comprehensive assessments were conducted to determine their long-term educational and therapeutic needs.”
At Dearborn STEP, our mission is to rekindle each student’s spark for learning and engagement by creating a supportive, structured environment where they can rediscover the joy of being a student. We are committed to partnering with caregivers to provide guidance, understanding, and resources that strengthen the home-school connection. Through thoughtful observation and assessment, we work closely with sending districts to offer meaningful insights into each learner— empowering teams to make informed, compassionate, and effective decisions that pave the way for student success.
