Special Education

Carman Road Preschool

Student Disability: Preschooler with a Disability (multiple disabilities, physical disabilities)

Student Age: 3 to 5, Carman Road School

The Preschool Program at Carman Road School provides total educational intervention for children with multiple, physical, and cognitive disabilities in a specially designed environment that is secure, warm, and success orientated. All children are encouraged to reach their greatest potential through many activities that stimulate growth and development while building self-confidence. Youngsters are referred to the program by their local district Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE). Once accepted in the program they attend full day classes, five days a week, entering an educational environment that promotes the greatest possible achievement.

The total child perspective is used to address the needs of each youngster on an individual basis. The curriculum stresses both the development of physical skills and the growth of cognitive, social, emotional and language skills. Each child’s unique abilities and needs are considered in all the program’s activities. An Engineered Aided Language Environment, using Visual Strategies and Assistive Technology are used to encourage physical development and the growth of communication skills at the earliest possible age.

For each child a multidisciplinary team develops strategies and methods to meet the goals and objectives of his/her Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Children receive physical, occupational, and speech therapies as prescribed in their IEPs. All classroom activities are supervised by a special education teacher assisted by teacher aides. Classroom staff works in collaboration with therapists as part of a multidisciplinary team to address all IEP goals. The development of communication, fine and gross motor, social-emotional, and academic skills are supported by the speech teachers, occupational and physical therapists.

Time is spent each day encouraging the growth of skills needed in activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing. Social skills are developed in structured activities and free play.

Individual and group projects such as painting, cooking, coloring, planting flowers, water play and using the sand table develop motor and learning skills.  All activities are adapted to meet youngsters’ physical and cognitive abilities and needs.

The children work with specially trained teachers in the Learning Center where they begin to use assistive technology,  adapted computers, specialized software, touch screens, and switches. Computers are available in the classroom to provide continuity. Access to our Adapted Physical Education provides opportunities for additional growth in motor skills. The Music Program introduces the children to musical instruments in the classroom, and helps to develop such concepts as movement to music and body awareness.

Parents can visit their child’s classroom and observe the program. They can talk with the classroom teacher and with members of the multidisciplinary team on these visits and throughout the school year as necessary. They participate in the development of their child’s IEP. Monthly Parent Teacher Association meetings cover topics that are important to education and management of children with special needs.

The program staff includes special education teachers and teacher aides particularly knowledgeable in education for very young children who have multiple disabilities. Support services are provided by the Carman Road School staff including physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, school nursing staff, consulting physician, school psychologist, and school social worker.  Interdisciplinary meetings are held with the total educational team and the administration to discuss the needs of each child.

Contact:
Amy Rumelt, Principal
Steven Kessler, Assistant Principal
Carman Road School
One Carman Road
Massapequa Park, New York 11762
Phone: (516) 608-6200