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NOVEMBER 2004

Choosing a Preschool for a Child with Special Needs
By Ronald S. Lenkowsky, Ed.D

New York City offers a wide array of services for children with special needs. But navigating the system, understanding and advocating for the right services and therapies for their child, and learning what to continue at home can be very difficult for parents.

Diane Goldin, a Manhattan resident, is the mother of 4-year-old Jonathan, who was born with developmental delays. As a teacher with the New York City Department of Education, Diane knows about child development and the New York education system, but the process of finding the right learning environment and the best therapists for Jonathan was not easy.

“I looked at different options based on recommendations from friends and experts,” Diane said.

Jonathan is “making a lot of progress” and will return to the New York League for Early Learning’s Gramercy School at a new state-of-the-art facility located at 406 10th Avenue in Manhattan.

“The school is wonderful for Jonathan,” said Diane. “I love the integrated classroom because the community kids act as good role models for Jonathan in terms of their verbal, social and language skills.”

Here are a few tips to help you and your child have a productive, enjoyable year. Visit several programs to learn what different programs have to offer in terms of the facility, resources and staff. Talk to experts, friends and other people who may be resources. Find out if your child’s program has art and music therapies, and adaptive education. Develop a close relationship with your child’s teacher. Make sure that your child still has time to play.#

Dr. Lenkowsky is director of the New York League for Early Learning, which is a member of the National Institute for People with Disabilities Network.#

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