Special Services

Class Descriptions	Related Services	Special Needs Enrichment
Summer Programs	Evaluations

JCC of Mid-Westchester Nursery School Toward Tomorrow Program 

JCC of Mid-Westchester Nursery School Toward Tomorrow Program
School Term:  Wednesday, September 2, 2008 - Friday, June 19, 2009

Class Descriptions

Pre-School Special Services Toward Tomorrow Programs – Tuition Based

Learning Circle
3-5 years
Our early childhood classes use a developmental approach to learning and socializing through self, peer and adult-directed activities. Designed as a developmental preschool program, children learn through discovery and hands-on experience, and grow in every area as they develop positive self-esteem, confidence and a love of learning. Literature, music, art, early childhood computer programs, creative movement, nature, indoor large motor room, swim, gymnastics and outdoor play are incorporated into the curriculum.

Socialization and communication skills become the focus as children adapt to structured classroom routines and learn to make transitions. Parents are encouraged to learn about their child's development through educational workshops and an active PTA.  Parent involvement is an integral part of our program. This class may be combined with any morning or afternoon program to provide a full day experience. Related services including speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and counseling are available upon request.  Class size limited to 10 students.

Learning Circle Combo extends the program by one hour to provide a supervised socialization and play skills based lunchtime. Specially trained staff supervise this lunch program and parent must send in a kosher style lunch.

Hand in Hand 
3-5 years
As parents we always want to give our children every possible advantage and opportunity to succeed. This class enhances every preschooler’s development with additional experiences with speech therapists, social workers and occupational therapists.

When children have the opportunity to join with other preschoolers who have needs in these areas, they all learn cooperative play and appropriate social behaviors with support from a skilled and caring staff. It is important for children to learn to work and
play together even when they have different learning needs and styles. Children will develop leadership skills, as supportive peer
interaction will be emphasized. Having a smaller class size will give all students a chance for increased opportunities to interact
with teachers and specialists.

This class consists of 12 children, six of whom receive supportive services. A special education teacher and two assistant teachers
will guide and assist all of the children in attaining their maximum potential. Educational workshops and our PTA assist parents in
all areas of their child’s development. Parent involvement is an integral part of our program.

Our children also benefit from many additional activities and utilizing all the facilities at the JCC. Literature, music, art, computer
learning experiences, creative movement, technology, swim, nature, indoor large motor room, gymnastics and outdoor play
are incorporated into the curriculum.

Lunch Program
We offer a one-hour lunch program from 11:15am to 12:15pm. Specially trained staff supervise socialization and play skills during this lunch program. Parent must send in a kosher style lunch.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN New!
Young Fives
A specially designed program for young 5 year olds who are kindergarten eligible, but would benefit from a transitional year to provide a solid foundation with which to ensure success in school. This program emphasizes all areas of development including socialization, readiness and self-help skills. Based on an integrated curriculum that respects individual learning styles, the focus is on reading readiness, math concepts, science, social studies health and work habits. Group sessions with a social worker and speech therapist further develop language and social skills. Students learn from professionals in art, nature, gymnastics and swim. The indoor motor room, swimming pool, gymnasium and outdoor playground are used to enhance your child’s educational experience. Class size is limited to 16. Half or full day is available.

Pre-School Special Education Toward Tomorrow – State Funded
3-4 year olds
The Toward Tomorrow program uses a developmental approach to learning, which incorporates language and socialization
through peer relations and adult-directed activities.

Small classes (as mandated by your school district) allow each child to receive the individual attention needed for a successful school experience. In classes of 8 to 12 children, our staffing is comprised of one special education teacher and one-two assistant teachers.
This program is language-based and includes a multi-sensory, creative, hands-on approach that is based on New York State
Educational Guidelines. Our curriculum focuses on Cognitive Development, Language and Communication Skills, Social Skills
and Activities of Daily Living. Goals for each child are addressed in the context of this approach. Licensed therapists and a registered
nurse are on staff. Related Services, which include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and counseling/
social skills are provided on-site as prescribed by your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Aside from our regular curriculum, Toward Tomorrow also includes computer activities, music, art, creative movement and
nature education. The indoor motor room, swimming pool and gymnasium and outdoor playground are also included in your child’s educational experience.

Parent Groups and Workshops are available and encouraged as part of the Toward Tomorrow family experience. Your involvement
and participation are essential to your child’s success.

Evaluations
Parents who have concerns about their child’s (ages 3 & 4) development may request an evaluation through their school district. Our Special Services Department can arrange psychological, speech and language, social history and educational evaluations. Occupational therapy and physical therapy evaluations are conducted when indicated. Our evaluation team will provide you and your school district with written reports and will attend CPSE scheduled meetings which will determine what services, if any, will be offered to your child.

Related Services
The JCC Toward Tomorrow program is a licensed provider of related services for pre-schoolers. The JCC will provide Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy services on-site. The services provided are those mandated by your school district or by private contract with parent and/or school district.  All services are subject to therapist availability.

Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)
We are a licensed SEIT provider and have special education teachers who can work with your child in their nursery schools as
mandated by your child’s IEP.

Summer Programs
 

After School Special Needs Enrichment Programs
The JCC offers enrichment programs that are appropriate for children with ADHD, speech/language delays, learning disabilities, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD or any social and emotional problems.  With small classes, in a warm nurturing atmosphere, your child can take advantage of many exciting activities that include social skills, writing workshops, theatre, art, music, sports and much more. Sibling workshops and birthday parties also available.  For information on our special needs after school enrichment program, click here. 

Matan at the JCC - The Gift of Jewish Learning for Every Child 
MATAN is an organization that was created to ensure that all Jewish children, including those with special learning needs, can be participating members of Jewish educational programs. With Jewish educators, special educators, and educational consultants and administrators, MATAN offers self-contained religious school classes meeting once a week, in addition to family Jewish holiday celebrations and programs.  For information on Jewish religious school classes being offered at the JCC for children ages 4-15 on Sundays and weekday afternoons, see Special Needs Enrichment.  For more information call x345 or e-mail deena@matankids.org. Please visit MATAN’s web site at www.matankids.org. MATAN classes can be scheduled back to back with Sunday Funday and SNAAC programs.

Jewish Holiday Celebrations for Special Needs Children and their Families (MATAN)
MATAN offers Jewish holiday celebrations in a structured and supervised low-key environment, which takes into account children’s special needs. These programs are both educational and fun for the whole family.  If you’re interested in receiving information about dates, times, etc. for Jewish Holiday Celebrations, email deena@matankids.org along with your name/address/phone and ages of your child/children. For more information on Matan programs for special needs children, see Special Needs Enrichment

Staff

Specialists

About the Directors

Nancy Kaplan, RN, Director
Initially hired in 1989 as the Camp Health Director, Nancy joined the Toward Tomorrow staff in 1993. With over 30 years experience working with children, including health research as well as teaching nursing and health courses for teachers at the bachelor and master college level.  Nancy has a B.S. in Nursing from University of Bridgeport and an M.A. in Education from New York University.

Linda, Helfman, Program Director
At the JCC since 1985, Linda taught the Horizons program and nursery school classes until 1993 when she became Assistant Director of the Toward Tomorrow Program. Currently the Program Director, Linda received her B.A. degree at Lehman College and taught in the NYC school system until she came to the JCC.

Martin Stone, SEIT Director
Having worked as a classroom teacher, SEIT, and administrator, Marty brings a full range of experience to our program.