Special Needs After School Enrichment and Respite

Our Trailblazers at the JCC have had a busy Fall.  We have all “gotten into the swing” of the program and enjoy the opportunity to come together after school in a small, warm, nurturing and individually focused environment.  Parents have been thrilled to have homework completed and to have their children be able to socialize and take part in the many offerings of the busy after school program at the JCC.  Several of the children have taken advantage of classes available through Programs for Enhancing Potential.  These include Club 345, a weekly social skills program, as well as Rise Above, our theater class.

Trailblazers has really met two important needs for our children.  For those with working parents, the ability to place them in a supported after school environment where complex individual needs are met is invaluable.  Many have siblings who attend our “typical” after school program.  Having all their children in one spot after school for busy working parents lessens stressors in their already complex lives.  The fact that the children see one another and can interact is an added bonus!  For those who utilize the program to meet social needs, finding the “right fit” has also been so important.  All children deserve the right to interact with others in a stress free, appropriately supported environment.  At Trailblazers at the RJCC that happens everyday!!!

Trailblazers at the JCC

Locating appropriate after school options for children with special needs has always been a challenge.  Typical day care environments are very hectic and often unstructured.  Organized sports programs do not offer the high degree of support needed, nor do other classes typically developing peers partake in such as dance or martial arts. 

As a social worker in a special needs preschool program prior to taking my current position, I would often hear from the parents of graduates looking for a “good fit” for their child after school.  Many had been asked to leave varied day care situation or parents found that classes being offered in the community did not meet their child’s needs.  I found myself hard pressed with regard to where to direct them.  Thus began the thought of developing an after school program to meet the complex set of needs presented by these children.  Upon assuming my present position as the director of Programs for Enhancing Potential for the Rosenthal JCC in April, my first order of business was to develop such an after school option.

Trailblazers at the JCC is a very unique after school social skills program for children with special needs.  Staffed by a certified special educator and assistant, children kindergarten-5^th grade from local school districts are able to be transported to the JCC after school.  One-to-one support is available as needed. The children will participate in a variety of “organized” free play opportunities both within small groups and if appropriate, within the larger after school program.  Homework help will also be provided.  As a wrap around program, communication will be maintained with school personnel and other program providers.  Children may attend the program 1-5 days weekly and pick up is flexible, between 5:30-6:30pm. 

It is exciting to be able to finally have an appropriate option for special needs children within the community and the program is already getting rave reviews.  For more information do not hesitate to contact Robin Gersten, director of Programs for Enhancing Potential at (914)741-0333 ext 28 or robin@rosenthaljcc.org .