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Preschool Description

The Joan Ann Kennedy Memorial Preschool is a full day center based 12-month program, consisting of 10 months (180 days) and 2 months (30 day summer session.)  We offer a positive learning environment for children with developmental disabilities ages 2.9 – 4.9 in special classes with ratios of 6:1:1 or 10:1:2.

The Joan Ann Kennedy Memorial Preschool is a New York State Education Department approved Special Education Program.  We are also under the oversight of the New York City Department of Education and have a permit with the Department of Health.

Led by certified staff, our aim is to nurture and facilitate cognitive, social, and emotional development in our students and help them to achieve their full potential. We provide the following related services:  Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.  Along with the related services offered, we employ a consulting Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to create and supervise meaningful Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs and positive behavioral interventions and supports for each student.

With the backing of all staff members and a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration,  we are able to employ teaching methods that reflect the needs of each student.  When students enter our program, their current level of functioning is assessed and programs are created based on their developmental skills and individual needs. Our learning environment fosters growth in overall academics, language development, positive behavior and social skills such as play skills and peer interaction.  The principles of ABA are applied throughout the day, each classroom has a 90-minute block of time to implement programs.  Staff utilize direct one on one teaching and target skills during center time, during independent programs and during small group activities.

Our school offers the following:

  • Parent Training & Parent Workshops
  • Individualized Student Programs
  • Speech/Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • BCBA Consultation
  • Yoga
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Transportation as per IEP

Our school utilizes the following strategies, programming, and instructional methodologies:

  • Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core (PKFCC) and Learning Goals (LGs)
  • NYC DOE Pre K Interdisciplinary Units of Study
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  • SMART Technology (iPads, computers, and Promethean Boards in every classroom)
  • Self-Help and Daily Living Skills
  • Multi-Disciplinary Approach
  • Team Planning Time

Perhaps a sample daily schedule

  • 8:45-2:15
  • Greeting Time
  • Snack Time
  • Whole Group Time
  • Work Time (ABA/DTT, Independent Task)
  • Center Time
  • Small Group Time
  • Fine Motor
  • Lunch
  • Gross Motor
  • Art/Thematic Activity
  • Music and Movement
  • Clean Up Time
  • Dismissal

Pictures of Hallway and Classrooms