The Elizabeth L. Newman Preschool is a developmental program for children between the ages of three and five that meets five full days a week. Classes are designed for six to eight children with a special education teacher and one assistant. Gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, cognition, self-care and socialization are all part of the program. Socialization is always in focus because this skill is often difficult to develop for a child who is blind or visually impaired. Goals and objectives are prepared by the educational staff with considerable input from the child's family. The Individualized Educational Plan is approved by the New York Department of Education's Committee on Preschool Special Education.

Services

• Vision Rehabilitation
• Sensory Stimulation
• Adapted Physical Education
• Orientation and Mobility
• Motor Development and Socialization
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Feeding Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Evaluation
• Parent Education
• Service Coordination
• Support Groups

Referrals

Children are referred as soon as a doctor or parents detects a vision problem. Children who attend the programs have a broad range of eye and medical conditions, and reside in the five boroughs of New York City and throughout the metropolitan area.

Family Involvement

Family involvement is important to the success of the programs. Staff members work closely with families to:

• Develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Assist parents and families to make important decisions regarding their child's programs;
• Provide individualized support services; and
• Teach parents techniques that will help their child cope with blindness or visual impairment.

In addition, on-going workshops and support groups help parents deal with important issues such as separation, discipline, child development, and transition to other schools.

Transition

The Preschool Program assists students and their families in achieving a smooth transition to local kindergartens or specialized programs in private or public schools.

At The Guild's Preschool, the focus is on helping children prepare for inclusion in specialized and nonspecialized school settings or specialized settings as indicated.

Transportation

Transportation is provided.

To request information, or to make a referral, please contact:

Early Intervention or Preschool Programs
15 West 65th Street
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-769-6308
E-mail: infantsandtoddlers@jgb.org