Parents of the community have spent a lot time worrying and searching for special education programs for their 5-year-olds who have aged out of preschool programs, yet are not quite ready for the kindergarten or pre-1A classes in their local yeshivahs.
“I am having such a difficult time finding a place for my son next year. What school has a class set up that will adequately meet his needs as a 5-year-old?”
“My daughter has done extremely well in her therapeutic preschool. How can I put her into a classroom with so many children? Not only will she lose that individual attention that she thrives on, but she’ll lose the benefit of being taught by specially trained teachers.”
These sentiments are only two of many that have been expressed by parents in our community over the last few years. Often, having no alternative, their children will attend a community school where the only extra assistance they’ll receive will be from a shadow or other paraprofessional, when what they really need is a certified special education teacher.
Finally, there is hope on the horizon. After having received one phone call after another from these desperate parents, the dedicated staff at Gesher Yehuda have stepped up to the task of filling the void. They are pleased to announce the opening of a kindergarten class for 5-year-olds in September 2008.
Students will have the individualized attention they need to succeed through small group instruction and a high teacher-to-student ratio. Following a dual yeshivah curriculum, students will learn pre-readiness skills, engage in structured play activities and receive their appropriate therapies. The program will specifically aim to instill confidence in the students via ongoing social skills training. These 5-year-olds will be given every opportunity to excel, as well as a solid foundation for a lifetime of successful learning.
Gesher Yehuda has been servicing students’ grades 1 through 8 for nearly 16 years. Its elementary school program has been replicated in many special education institutions throughout the country. A combination of tried and true methods and years of experience in the field is surefire proof that the new kindergarten class of Gesher Yehuda will be the answer that so many parents have been waiting for.
