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Special Education Preschool
Special Education Preschool
Alternatives For Children is an approved New York State Preschool Special Education provider serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Our nurturing, inclusive preschool programs support young children with disabilities and developmental delays through play-based learning.
Integrated and self-contained classrooms meet each child where they are while building kindergarten readiness skills.
Our Team
Our preschool programs are supported by a multidisciplinary team of licensed and certified professionals who work collaboratively to support each child’s development.
Our team includes:
- Dual Certified Teachers – NYS-certified special education and early childhood teachers, supported by certified teaching assistants
- Licensed Therapists specializing in:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Vision Services
- Music Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Licensed Psychologists and Social Workers providing counseling and family support
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who oversee targeted interventions and supervise behavior support staff
Our Curriculum
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The Creative Curriculum
Our preschool classrooms use The Creative Curriculum, a research-based approach aligned with the New York State Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards. Classes are intentionally and environmentally structured to support:
- Social-emotional development
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
- Language and communication skills
Children also build strong foundations in literacy, math, social studies, the arts, and technology through hands-on, play-based learning experiences.
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We place a strong emphasis on social-emotional development to help children succeed in school and beyond.
Alternatives For Children uses Second Step® Early Learning, a research-based program that helps preschool-aged children develop essential skills such as:
- Listening and focusing attention
- Managing emotions
- Building empathy
- Solving problems
- Developing self-regulation
Daily, engaging activities use puppets, photo cards, songs, and family connections to reinforce learning and support a smooth transition to kindergarten.
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Our approach is guided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropriate Practices, which emphasize:
- Creating a caring community of learners
- Teaching to enhance development and learning
- Planning curriculum to achieve meaningful goals
- Assessing children’s development and learning
- Building strong, reciprocal relationships with families
Therapies and Services
Therapies and Services
As part of our preschool special education program, children may receive related services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). These supports are thoughtfully integrated into each child’s school day to promote learning, development, and participation in the classroom. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively with teachers and families to ensure services align with each child’s educational goals.
Services available within our preschool programs include:
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Behavioral Services
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Vision Services
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Psychological & Social Work Services
- Student Counseling
- Educational Technology
- Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) Services
- Parent Training and Family Groups
- Transportation for IEP-eligible children