POTTSTOWN, PA — The Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation, reinforcing a long-term bet that inclusivity is not only a social obligation but a strategic investment in community trust and institutional value.
The renewal, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, required updated autism and sensory-specific training for staff and volunteers. The goal is to ensure the center can consistently support autistic and sensory-sensitive children and their families in an environment designed for learning through play.
“Here at Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center, we are happy to welcome all children and strive to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome,” said Beth Desch, executive director of the center.
For IBCCES, renewals matter as much as first-time certifications. Chairman Myron Pincomb said ongoing training equips organizations with practical tools that directly affect how families experience a space.
“When organizations invest in renewal, it gives staff the confidence and clarity to better understand and support every child who walks through their doors,” Pincomb said. “That preparation changes the experience. Families feel welcomed and understood, not accommodated as an afterthought.”
The designation comes as PCDC continues to expand its physical footprint and programming. The center currently operates four first-floor interactive spaces, including the Discovery Theater, Barn to Belly, STEM Room, and Exploration Studio. Each is designed to engage children across a wide range of developmental stages, from imaginative play to early scientific exploration.
Development is also underway on the second floor, where two large rooms are being added. One is planned as a maker-style space aimed at older children, offering more advanced, hands-on projects. The expansion is intended to broaden the center’s age range and deepen its educational offerings.
PCDC also operates the Discovery Kids Club, a structured engagement program that encourages children to explore six learning categories: nature, STEM, art, music, literature, and social-emotional learning. Participants earn stamps and rewards as they complete activities, reinforcing repeat visits and sustained learning.
From a business and nonprofit management perspective, IBCCES certification is positioned as more than a compliance exercise. The organization says standardized autism training reduces uncertainty for frontline staff, shortens response time during challenging situations, and builds confidence across teams. Over time, that consistency strengthens brand reputation and differentiation in an increasingly competitive family-attraction landscape.
Founded more than two decades ago, IBCCES provides autism, sensory, and neurodiversity training across healthcare, education, travel, public safety, and corporate sectors. Its programs combine instruction from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates with ongoing reviews and renewal requirements.
As part of its certification, PCDC is listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool that helps individuals and families identify certified, sensory-friendly destinations. Additional IBCCES platforms, including AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, provide free directories of certified locations and professionals.
For Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center, the renewal signals a clear message: inclusivity is not a one-time initiative, but a continuing operational priority tied to long-term community impact.
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