Sharing Visions…Building Futures
Prospect School has been selected as a NASET (National Association of Special Education Teachers) School of Excellence
Preschool Classroom
School Age Classroom
Itinerant Services
School Calendar
Parent Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Prospect Child & Family Center has been providing educational services in our community for over 40 years. The Center is licensed by the New York State Education Department, the New York State Department of Health, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Center is a provider of Special Education Services, Clinic and Medical Services, Developmental Evaluations, and Nursery School. The Agency employs over 150 staff, including certified special education teachers and assistants, nurses, psychologists, therapists and administrators. Staff work together with the goal of providing stimulating and challenging learning experiences for all students.
Education programs offered at Prospect School include preschool and school age classes for students ages two through twenty one. A hands-on learning approach is incorporated to enhance development of specific skills. This approach includes learning stations and activity areas to foster exploration, creativity and independence. The curriculum emphasizes early learning and pre-academic activities, through a hands-on approach and play centers to encourage language, cognitive, social and motor skill development.
The preschool curriculum includes pre-readiness and pre-academic instruction incorporating transition skills, literacy and pre-math skills. Special focus is on enhancing language and social skills development. Curriculum and instruction are aligned with the approved learning standards defined in the Preschool Special Education Learning Outcomes and Indicators. These standards are based on developmentally appropriate skills required of all preschool students. Teachers develop and implement activities to support the goals and objectives of each student’s individualized education program. Major performance areas include social and emotional development, language and communication skills, cognitive/intellectual abilities, motor development, health and safety skills and approaches to learning with specific learning outcomes for each area.
Program Features
- Certified teachers, early childhood educators and teacher assistants in all classrooms.
- Staff to student ratios support guided and closely supervised school experiences.
- Center and theme based instruction within the classroom to foster active participation and learning.
- Interactive computer systems to enhance language and cognitive development.
- On-going communication with families regarding their child’s activities.
- Observation booths to accommodate non-disruptive viewing and encourage families to be involved in their child’s education.
- Positive behavior management and intervention approaches designed to guide and shape children’s behavior.
- On-going student assessment via observation to determine progress and need areas.
Parental Choice
Federal and State regulations have mandated that parents play a major role in determining where their youngster receives preschool and school age services. Parents know their child best and play a key role in evaluating programs and making decisions about what’s best for their child. One thing is for certain, decisions will be made and your involvement as a parent is crucial.
How Do I Make a Decision?
- Keep an open mind and trust your own abilities while gaining information from as many sources as possible.
- Visit programs, observe and consider all your options. Bring a trusted friend or family member to help you evaluate and assess what you see and the input that you get from professionals.
- Most importantly, once decisions have been made and services are provided, continue to observe, evaluate and fully participate in your child’s program.
Tuition
Tuition (including transportation) is funded through the student’s school district and county of residence.