Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQs
We offer two programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities: a school program for students and an adult day program for adults. Please see the sections below for more details on each.
Our school program serves students ages 6–21, and our adult day program serves individuals 18 and older.
We are located in St. Charles County, conveniently on one campus. Our school program is located at 4110 Old Mill Parkway, St. Peters, and our adult day program is next door at 4140 Old Mill Parkway, St. Peters.
Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the IRS.
CAE is funded through a combination of school district partnerships, state and federal funding, private donations, grants, and fundraising events.
SCHOOL PROGRAM FAQs
CAE partners with several local school districts to provide specialized educational services. To explore enrollment, please contact your home school district to determine if they partner with us. All students must have an active IEP and receive placement approval from their IEP team in coordination with the district.
Yes. All therapy services are provided in-house by board-certified therapists. Services are individualized and integrated into each student’s educational plan based on their IEP goals.
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) outlines a student’s unique goals, services, and supports. At CAE, the IEP guides each student’s personalized instruction and therapy, ensuring their educational needs are met through a collaborative, team-based approach.
Each student receives 1:1 or 2:1 support throughout the day, as determined by their IEP.
Transportation is arranged through each student’s home school district as part of their educational placement. Families should coordinate directly with their district’s transportation department.
Yes. CAE's school program operates year-round, providing continuous educational services along with speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapies to support each student’s individual needs.
Students ages 6–21 with an active IEP are eligible to attend. Enrollment requires placement approval from the student’s IEP team in coordination with their home school district.
Yes, we do have a waitlist. Please contact your home district and IEP team to learn if they partner with CAE. If they do, they will reach out to us to begin the enrollment process and get added to our waitlist.
Currently, CAE only accepts students who are placed in our program through their home school district. That school district is responsible for covering the tuition for the student to attend.
Yes, we offer tours to families. Please visit our Contact Us page, select “School Program” and provide your information to be contacted for a building tour.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM FAQs
Our adult department offers Day Services and Behavior Support Services, both funded through the Medicaid Waiver.
Day Services focus on building independence in all areas of daily living. Participants engage in volunteer work and community outings on a weekly basis, helping them develop real-world skills and confidence.
Behavior Support Services use the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide individualized support in the home and community. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst develops and monitors each participant’s Behavior Support Plan, which is included as part of their Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP). These plans focus on reducing problem behaviors, increasing appropriate behaviors, and promoting greater independence.
Yes, we offer a variety of community outings and volunteer opportunities tailored to each individual’s confidence level, interests, and skills.
Yes, developing independent living skills is a core focus of our adult day program. We provide individualized support and therapy to help participants build confidence and daily life skills.
Behavioral support services are provided if they are outlined in a consumers Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP).
A Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP), previously known as an Individualized Support Plan (ISP), outlines each participant’s goals, services, and supports. At CAE, the PCSP guides all services in the adult day program, ensuring that Day Services and Behavior Support Services are personalized to meet each individual’s needs and promote independence.
All adults participate in group settings with staff support. One-on-one staffing is available if specified in a participant’s Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP).
Adults 18 and older who have an active Medicaid Waiver are eligible to attend.
To begin the enrollment process, contact the consumer's DMH case manager to request funding approval. Once funding is secured
please visit our Contact Us page, select “Adult Day Program” and provide your information to be contacted and begin the enrollment process.
Yes, we offer tours to families.
Please visit our Contact Us page, select “Adult Day Program” and provide your information to be contacted for a building tour.
Yes, there is a waitlist. Once your DMH case manager has submitted the funding request, please visit our Contact Us page, select “Adult Day Program” and provide your information to be contacted and begin the waitlist process.
We accept private pay and Medicaid Waiver as forms of payment. Insurance is not accepted at this time.
Transportation is not offered directly through CAE. Individuals may request transportation services through their DMH case manager.
DONATIONS, EVENTS & SUPPORT FAQs
Donations can be made securely online through our website or mailed to our office. We also accept in-kind donations for events and programs. Please visit our donation page for online donations.
Yes. The Center for Autism Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We host several annual events, including a golf tournament, music bingo night, and participate in community fundraisers like Give STL Day. These events help raise critical funds for our programs.
We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. To explore ways to support our mission and gain visibility in the community, please contact Kaitlin Karins, Director of Development, at kaitlin@teachautism.org.
You can attend events, donate auction items, become a sponsor, or help us spread the word. Sign up for our email newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Yes! We welcome individual and group volunteers for our fundraising events. Please visit our Contact Us page to request more information about current opportunities.
Funds raised go directly toward enhancing our school and adult day programs, purchasing educational materials, funding therapy services, and expanding access to inclusive resources.
CONTACT & COMMUNICATION FAQs
You can reach us by phone at (636) 978-7785 for our school program, (636) 244-3903 for our adult day program, or by filling out the form on our Contact Us page.
Please visit our Contact Us page, select the topics you’d like more information on, and provide your contact information. A member of the appropriate program team will follow up with you directly.
All visitors and volunteers must check in at the front office, provide identification, and follow our safety procedures.
Follow us on Facebook and sign up for CAE emails for the latest updates.
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