Stein Education Center – Special Education Program


Founded in 1973, Stein Education Center is one of the first private special education school settings in San Diego for students with Autism. Today, our special education campus is State certified to provide individualized special education services to children, teens and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or severe emotional disorder.

Services include:

  • Methods including Applied Behavioral Analysis, positive behavior intervention
  • Functional academics
  • Social skills development
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Counseling
  • Pre-vocational and vocational training
  • Community integration
  • Multi-sensory experience
  • Enrichment activities, including equestrian, art, music, technology access & recreation.

Student Story

When Keita arrived at the Stein Education Center (SEC) in June 2012, he was unable to work in the classroom because of his difficulty being in close proximity to others, leading to aggressive episodes. In order to ensure he was not precluded from the academic and other benefits at SEC, the staff developed a creative plan for Kieta which included intensive individual work with two aides on an adjacent patio until he made sufficient progress to re-join the classroom. Kieta also benefitted from medication therapy and monitoring by SEC's on-site psychiatrist.

Through the work of many staff, therapists, and the involvement of his family, Keita has made great strides during his years in our special education campus. Today, Keita is described by staff as "an amazing young man who lights up the room." He can now utilize public transportation, delivers lunches independently, is social with both staff and peers, and is involved in a number of vocational activities, including volunteer work at the Habitat for Humanity Store. Keita has even learned over two dozen Japanese phrases and words.

Keita and his fabulous family represent what family, hard work and collaboration can do for students with disabilities. We could not be prouder of Keita and we look forward to seeing where he will be in the years to come!

99 special education students were enrolled during 2019-20 school year.

For More Information or Referral

Please contact us at 619.281.5511.
We are open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
6145 Decena Drive, San Diego, CA 92120


Who is Eligible?

Students are referred from local school districts in accordance with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The Education Program is for students 5–18 years of age and our Transition Program is for young adults 18–22 years.


California Department of Education School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

Reported Using Data from the 2020-21 School Year

Sam & Rose Stein Education Centers (PDF)