History

The Haring Center began as the Pilot School in 1964. The Pilot School, staffed by University of Washington faculty, focused its work on education, rehabilitation, and family advocacy for children with neurological injuries. From 1966 through 2009, the Haring Center was known by the name of the center’s school, the Experimental Education Unit (EEU).

The center’s first director was Dr. Norris Haring, a pioneer in the field of special education. From its founding, Haring Center researchers, teachers and staff were committed to using effective teaching practices and researching their use to teach new skills in practical settings. Many instructional and behavioral strategies widely used in the field of special education today, including those based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, were first implemented and studied at the Haring Center.

Throughout its history, Haring Center researchers have conducted critical work in teaching practices for children with developmental disabilities that have shaped the fields of special education and inclusive education as we know them today. Groundbreaking studies and publications include:

• Curricula and teaching strategies for children with Down syndrome 

• The country’s first inclusive preschool

• Programs to support siblings and families of children with disabilities 

• Washington’s first law to guarantee public education to children with disabilities 

• Project DATA, a school-based program for children with autism 

• Building Blocks, a framework for preschool inclusion

• Training strategies and curriculum to ensure school readiness for Head Start students

For over 50 years, we’ve blazed trails in special education and early learning that have improved the lives of countless children and families. We will continue this legacy of innovation by developing educational approaches that improve achievement for all children. In alignment with the University of Washington’s commitment to sharing discoveries that will change the world, will share what we learn by training generations of education professionals close to home and across the globe.

Timeline