STEPS Academy
Individualized education for students ages 3–22 diagnosed with autism or related developmental differences who benefit from more intensive support throughout the school day.
Parma, Ohio
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About STEPS Educational Group
Every learner deserves to be seen, supported, and included.
At STEPS, we believe meaningful learning begins with understanding the person.
We take time to discover each learner’s strengths, interests, communication, and support needs. From that foundation, we create opportunities to build skills, develop relationships, and participate more fully in everyday life.
Our educational, transition, and clinical programs offer different environments for different needs, connected by a shared commitment to dignity, belonging, and individual growth.
Serving families throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio since 2006.
Our Story
Our story began with six students and one classroom.
Jennifer Might founded STEPS in 2006 with six students in a single classroom and a belief that learners deserved an environment built around their individual needs and possibilities.
Working in the field of autism since 1996, Jennifer brought experience in behavioral science and a commitment to combining effective teaching with trusting relationships and respect for each student. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
As STEPS grew, so did its ability to respond to different learning needs and stages of life. Today, STEPS Academy, Insightful Minds Community of Learning, Willow Farms, and STEPS Institute for Child Development provide specialized education, preparation for adulthood, and individualized clinical ABA.
What began in one classroom continues through the daily work of our educators, clinicians, specialists, and support staff: getting to know each learner and helping them take meaningful steps forward.
Our purpose
We help learners develop the communication, knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to take an active role in their own lives.
Progress may mean expressing a preference, engaging in academics, navigating a friendship, completing a daily routine, or preparing for an adult placement. We recognize the importance of these individual accomplishments and work with learners and families to identify what comes next.
The principles behind our practice
Understand and honor the individual.
A diagnosis helps describe support needs, but it does not tell a person’s whole story. We recognize strengths, presume the capacity to learn, and respect different ways of communicating and experiencing the world.
Our responsibility is to teach useful skills and expand opportunities while honoring each learner’s individuality.
Build trust and belonging.
We create opportunities for learners to feel known, connected, and valued. Positive relationships, predictable routines, and clear expectations help students participate and navigate challenges.
We pair compassion with consistent guidance and support each learner in developing a meaningful role in their community.
Teach skills with purpose.
We combine research-informed practices with a person-centered, humanistic approach. Interests, hands-on experiences, and everyday activities help make learning relevant.
We look beyond completing a lesson to consider how a skill can help someone communicate, make choices, enjoy relationships, or participate with greater independence.
Partner with families.
Families bring essential knowledge about their children. We listen to their priorities, welcome questions, and collaborate on goals and next steps.
As needs change, we work together to connect current learning and support with future opportunities.
Four programs, each with a distinct purpose.
Insightful Minds Community of Learning
Individualized academics, experiential learning, and social-emotional and behavioral support for students in third grade through graduation.
Broadview Heights, Ohio
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Willow Farms
Transition-focused education that connects practical academics, daily living, and vocational learning with hands-on farm experiences and assistance planning for adult services and settings.
Olmsted Township, Ohio
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STEPS Institute for Child Development
Individualized clinical ABA, one-on-one intensive teaching sessions, and caregiver training for children ages 3–11 diagnosed with autism or related developmental differences.
Parma, Ohio
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Our three educational programs and the Institute’s clinical services have distinct purposes, plans, and enrollment processes. When a learner receives both educational and clinical services, teams can coordinate support with appropriate consent.
People who put our purpose into practice.
Our programs bring together professionals with expertise in education, communication, behavior, emotional well-being, daily living, and transition planning.
Depending on the program, teams include teachers, intervention specialists, classroom support staff, behavioral professionals, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, music therapists, and social-emotional support professionals.
Our leaders support staff development and collaboration, helping teams connect their expertise with the everyday needs of students and families.
Come get to know STEPS.
A visit offers the opportunity to see our learning environments, meet our team, and talk about your child’s needs.
Whether you are exploring school options, clinical ABA, or preparation for adult life, we’ll help you understand the programs and the next steps.
We welcome families throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, along with school districts exploring student placements.
With locations in Parma, Broadview Heights, and Olmsted Township, Ohio.