Children’s Program

The Children’s Program is focused on providing compensatory training to children who are visually impaired, age 5 to 13. Training is provided using the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) model, which prepares students who are visually impaired or blind with the foundational skills needed to be successful now and in the future.

The ECC model includes training in adaptive daily living skills, Braille literacy, assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, self-advocacy and self-determination, and pre-employment exploration. Training is offered one to three times per month (usually after school and on Saturday), on teacher planning days, and in the summer, we provide Kids’ Camp.

The Children’s Programs also includes activities such as our Beeping Easter Egg Hunt and our year-end party. Read about the 2024 Beeping Easter Egg Hunt in Suncoast News’ article titled “Children with visual impairments go Easter Egg hunting” and see our 2024 Beeping Easter Egg Hunt photo album. #BEEH #BeepingEasterEggHunt

The Children’s program is made possible by grants and donations. In September 2021, the Suncoast Credit Union provided a grant that is “Teaching Blind Children Adapted Skills Needed for Independence Now and for Future Employment.” Recently, we received a Community Grant for the Early Intervention and Children’s Programs from Walmart Supercenter 967 in Spring Hill. We are so grateful for all the support!

Here’s a video from our children’s 2019 summer program.

The Lighthouse is very pleased to offer a Parent of the Visually Impaired Support/Educational Group. Lighthouse staff are asking parents interested in joining the group to answer a short questionnaire (available from the Lighthouse) to determine the best meeting time and areas of interest for educational discussions.

Regular Activities for Children who are Visually Impaired and Blind

The children at the fire hall, standing with the fire station mascot in front of the fire truck.

The Children's Program provides children who are visually impaired and blind with activities that are fun, educational and accessible.