On February 8, CentralReach, a leading software company focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism therapy, announced its acquisition of SILAS, a company known for its innovative approach to social-emotional learning in schools. This acquisition strengthens CentralReach’s capabilities in providing comprehensive digital solutions that support students’ behavioral, social, and emotional development within educational settings.
Expanding Social-Emotional Learning in Schools with SILAS
CentralReach, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves roughly 175,000 professionals worldwide with software designed to improve outcomes for individuals with autism and other IDDs. The acquisition of SILAS, a rapidly growing company that partners with over 40 school districts in New Jersey, significantly enhances CentralReach’s offerings specifically for Emotional and social skill development in schools.
SILAS specializes in digital tools that focus on screening, tracking, and delivering curricula related to social-emotional learning in schools, applied behavior analysis (ABA), executive functioning, and vocational transitions. Their interactive platform, which uses animated video lessons, empowers educators and therapists to assess and customize care that resonates with students, making social skill acquisition more engaging and effective.
Why Social-Emotional Learning in Schools Matters Now More Than Ever
The need for robust social-emotional learning in schools has never been greater. With growing federal support and funding—such as the Biden administration’s proposed 13.6% increase in SEL funding for fiscal year 2024—schools are taking on an expanded role in addressing behavioral health and emotional challenges among students.
Schools are increasingly seen as ideal settings to deliver Emotional and social skill development in schools programs because they provide consistent access to children and adolescents in a structured environment. This access is critical for students with autism and other developmental disabilities who benefit from coordinated ABA and SEL supports. CentralReach’s acquisition of SILAS is timely, as it brings together two leaders in the IDD and educational technology spaces to better meet this growing demand.
How CentralReach and SILAS Will Transform Social-Emotional Learning in Schools
Chris Sullens, CEO of CentralReach, emphasized the impact of SILAS’s animation-first approach: “The positive outcomes of their interactive, animation-first approach to social skill acquisition are truly impressive. Unlocking the power of social-emotional learning in schools for this generation of children will have exponential impacts on our society as a whole.”
By integrating SILAS’s curricula into CentralReach’s ABA practice management and caregiver training platforms, the combined company will offer a more comprehensive suite of tools tailored for educators, therapists, and families. This integration aims to expand access to effective social-emotional learning in schools and enhance support for students diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The Broader Context: Growing Interest and Investment in School-Based SEL
This acquisition is part of a larger trend where entrepreneurs and investors recognize the critical importance of social-emotional learning in schools and behavioral health supports. Schools are now key partners for virtual mental health providers and technology startups looking to innovate in this space.
Examples include:
- Talkspace’s partnership with Baltimore County School District, one of the largest districts in the U.S., providing virtual mental health support.
- Hazel Health, a startup raising $85 million to deliver telehealth services directly to schools.
- Clayful, which recently raised $7 million and partners with over 50 schools to provide SEL and mental health resources.
These developments highlight the expanding market and urgent need for enhanced Emotional and social skill development in schools solutions.
What This Means for Students and Educators
For students, especially those with autism or other developmental disabilities, improved social-emotional learning in schools means better engagement, social skill development, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for academic success and personal growth. For educators and school professionals, integrated digital tools from CentralReach and SILAS streamline workflows, improve tracking and assessment, and provide actionable insights to tailor interventions.
Families also stand to benefit through expanded caregiver training resources that support SEL development beyond the classroom, creating a more holistic approach to each child’s care.
Looking Ahead
With federal funding rising and the demand for behavioral and developmental support growing, the acquisition of SILAS by CentralReach positions the company to be a leader in delivering impactful social-emotional learning in schools. This integration will accelerate the adoption of evidence-based, technology-driven solutions that empower schools to meet students’ complex needs more effectively.
As the role of Emotional and social skill development in schools continues to expand, innovative platforms like CentralReach and SILAS will be vital in shaping the future of education and behavioral health — ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
