Elementary Program
(Jerusalem Avenue School)
Student
Disability: Learning, Behavioral and Developmental Disabilities
Student Age:
5 to 10
The Elementary Program located at the Jerusalem Avenue School in
North Bellmore provides a dynamic pre-academic or academic
educational program that follows the New York State Standards for
students, grades K-5, who have learning, behavioral or developmental
disabilities that interfere with their abilities to succeed in general
education. Remedial, supportive, and related services are available
as needed. Class ratios offered are 6: 1: 1 or 9: 1: 2 and are determined
by student need.
Classrooms, staffed by caring certified special education teachers and
paraprofessionals, provide a highly individualized learning environment
where reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, and health
curriculums are adapted to meet students' cognitive levels and learning
styles. Social and emotional objectives are integrated into classroom
activities. Teachers develop social learning skills throughout the
curriculum by eliciting socially appropriate responses and encouraging
students to reflect on their choices to determine if they are socially
appropriate. Within the classroom students work as a team to support
each other in social growth. Psychologists and social workers also
work closely with students in individual sessions to support the
development of positive social skills.
Computers are provided in the classroom to promote student involvement
and curriculum reinforcement. Classroom instruction is supplemented
in the Learning Center which offers a distraction-free setting for a
variety of individualized instruction. Learning Center staff work closely
with classroom teachers to correlate and supplement classroom materials.
A school-wide growth recognition program includes a specific plan for
each child developed by the child's teacher, psychologist and social
worker. The plan is tied to classroom goals and uses a point system
for earning rewards, such as purchases at the school store.
Psychologists and social workers utilize the program during counseling
sessions. Students regularly evaluate themselves to determine where
they have succeeded and where they need to improve. As students progress,
they move to new goals.
In the Health and Community Awareness (HCH) Program, students meet with a special
teacher who uses a curriculum involving simulation of home and community
activities. Safety and health issues are explored with younger
children. Social skills are also developed in this program.
Library activities encourage students to develop good reading habits,
gain additional knowledge and function independently. Music helps
students develop creativity, self-expression and language. Auditory
and perceptual skills and sensory-motor functions are enhanced through the
music program.
Psychologists and social workers support, reassure and assist students
through individual and group activities and are available to parents on a
group or individual basis. Social workers run bi-weekly parent workshops.
Occupational and physical therapies assist students in meeting educational
goals. Physical therapists work with students individually or in small
groups to develop coordination, muscle control and fine- and gross-motor
skills. Occupational therapists develop fine-motor skills and
sensory integration for students with major deficits in this area.
Speech and Language services are designed to increase students'
learning potential. Receptive and expressive difficulties are addressed.
Different modes of communication are used to meet individual students'
needs. The Collaborative Classroom created through an innovative
model pairing a speech teacher and a special education teacher in a team
teaching approach is an important part of the Program's speech and
language services. The model creates an interactive learning
environment where two classes are linked together to develop speech and
language skills while addressing academic goals. Language skills such as
vocabulary, grammar, critical thinking and auditory comprehension are
developed.
Through Adaptive Physical Education students develop awareness
and control of their bodies within their environment. They engage in a
variety of enjoyable yet challenging activities that improve physical
fitness and visual-motor coordination. Supplemental activities include
many different enrichment experiences, such as creative performances.
Field trips and outdoor education provide activities in the community to
bring classroom learning into the larger world.
The Elementary Program now provides the Intensive Support Program (ISP)
through a collaborative program developed by Nassau BOCES and the North Shore
Child & Family Guidance Center for students with significant emotional
difficulties. Services of the ISP program address the emotional and
behavioral issues that interfere with the achievement of educational
goals.
Additionally, the Elementary Program services students who present with significant behavioral issues
and require a more experiential approach to academic learning. The primary
focus of these classes is to promote teamwork, develop pro-social skills,
improve peer interaction and instill a sense of belonging.
Parents are encouraged to be active partners in the education of their
child by reinforcing at home what the child learns in school, and parent
education is offered to help them do this. Progress Reports and report
cards keep parents informed concerning their youngster's success in
school. Local districts are also partners in the education of the
child and are encouraged to visit the program and meet with staff when
necessary.
Contact:
Brent Nelson, Principal
Flora Cohen, Assistant Principal
Jerusalem
Avenue School
2351
Jerusalem Avenue
North
Bellmore. NY 11710
Phone: (516) 608-6300
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