Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides high-quality programs for children and adults with autism. Our comprehensive services include Sunny Days Preschool, an inclusive preschool for children ages 3-6; the PACE School, a nonpublic school, serving ages 6-22; PACE Residential group homes, Faces Behavioral Services for children with 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Porchlight Autism Education Series, a free e-learning training system with over 50 modules for parent and caregiver solutions to implement at home.

PACE serves individuals who live with moderate-to-severe autism, especially those who struggle with behavioral challenges and communication disorders. Approximately 70% of those in our program are non-speaking.

PACE does not provide pediatric assessments, screening, or evaluations to diagnose autism or related developmental disabilities. Please contact your health care provider or local regional center.

PACE does not have an Adult Day Program. Please contact your local regional center for ADP programs in your area.

PACE does not offer summer camp programs. Please contact your local regional center or your local city or county recreational program to learn available options.

PACE School is a year-round, non-public school (NPS) certified by the California Department of Education and accredited by the Western Association of Schools to provide services to students with special education needs. PACE School is a department of the Pacific Autism Center for Education that provides highly specialized services to individuals ages 6-22 with moderate-to-severe autism. Enrollment is by referral from school districts.

Enrollment in the PACE School is a collaborative process with your child’s school district, your family, and PACE staff. All PACE School placements require a referral from your child’s school district. If your child is currently enrolled at a Bay Area public school, please begin the process by talking with your local special education coordinator from the district about an alternative placement. Once a referral is received from your school district, a member of the PACE School staff will provide further information about the program and coordinate a tour.

All PACE School tours require a referral from your child’s school district. Once a referral is received from your school district, a member of the PACE School staff will provide further information about the program and coordinate a tour.

PACE School does not accept insurance or private pay. As a nonpublic school, PACE receives funding from school districts rather than individuals.

PACE employs a multidisciplinary, multi-methodology educational program that strives to help our students develop age-appropriate occupational, language, academic, and vocational skills to last a lifetime. Curriculum focused on functional academics is taught in large groups, in small groups, and one-on-one and allows us to focus on each child’s needs as determined through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.

One of the unique program aspects of PACE School is the full-time on-site integration of speech and occupational therapy into our daily activities. Therapists and classroom teachers work as a team to meet the individual needs of each student.

Sunny Days Preschool is a nonpublic school (NPS) and CCL certified preschool. Sunny Days is an inclusive program for 3 – 6 year olds serving children on the autism spectrum, neuro-typical children, and those needing a little extra support in a responsive and nurturing environment. Sunny Days is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services, Facility Number 434414613. Unlike the PACE School, Sunny Days Preschool works directly with families as well as school districts that are interested in sending their students to our program.

The first step in the application process is to complete the online Inquiry Form. Once we have received your Inquiry, we will contact you within 48 business hours to confirm your eligibility and waitlist status.

Sunny Days Preschool accepts private pay and school district funding.

Faces Behavioral Therapy is a department of the Pacific Autism Center for Education. The behavioral therapy program was established to support children with autism reach their full potential utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA is an evidence-based scientific process that uses the principles of learning and motivation to change behavior. For practical purposes, we refer to behavior as observable actions and skills. ABA techniques are based in behavioral psychology and used to bring about meaningful positives changes in behavior. Many scientific studies have confirmed that using intensive applied behavior analysis techniques with young children with autism significantly improves their cognitive abilities, non-verbal communication, receptive and expressive language skills as well as other adaptive skills. ABA is a widely recognized treatment for autism and has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and is approved by the FDA.

Faces accepts funding through health insurance providers. We are currently in-network with Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Magellan, Optum, and United Behavioral Health. This list may change; if your insurance company is not currently included, you may check with us by calling our Intake number, 408.785.0102. For out-of-network providers, we will provide billing statements and insurance forms for your submission. Families will be billed for all co-payments and deductibles. We also coordinate services with Regional Centers and school districts. Private pay options are available.

Faces provide behavior therapy for children ages 18 months to 14 years. Behavior services are provided throughout the peninsula region from San Mateo to San Jose. Services are typically available from 9 am to 5 pm in our San Jose clinic.

To begin the intake process, please complete our online inquiry form, or contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required or 408.785.0102.

The PACE Residential Program is a licensed vendor operating with the Department of Developmental Services through the San Andreas Regional Center. PACE owns and operates two children’s homes and four adult group homes licensed to serve residents from ages 6 to 59. The program includes personal management, community participation, and recreation/leisure activities.

PACE Group Homes for Adults are located in San Jose and Sunnyvale. PACE Group Homes for children are located in Cupertino.

The clients residing in our homes are individuals with Autism and related developmental disabilities who, for a variety of reasons, can no longer live in their family homes. Each group home houses up to six individuals and is supervised by an Administrator and a House Manager who is assisted by a team of trained staff members, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Referrals for placement at PACE group homes are made by the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC). Once a referral has been made from SARC, the parents/caregivers and the client have the opportunity to tour the group home. Determining the appropriateness of the residential placement is a collaborative decision made by the SARC Case Manager, parents/caregivers, and the PACE staff.