NYISE Readiness Program

The Readiness Program-a quality program of The New York Institute for Special Education

Readiness Program is a special education pre-school that provides a variety of educational programs for young children. These children have developmental delays in one or more of the following: cognition, speech and language development, fine or gross motor skills, sensory integration, adaptive skills, and social-emotional development.

The Readiness Program believes that young children with disabilities, like their normal developing peers, learn when they are actively engaged in interactions with people and materials in their environment.

Children learn from their own experiences of the world (by choosing, exploring, experimenting, and practicing). Instructional strategies integrate academic and non-academic activities within a framework that stresses cognitive, language, motor, social and adaptive skills and the generalization of the skills beyond the classroom. For example, technology (cameras, computers) used on a daily basis as instructional tools to implement the curricula of High Scope, Breakthrough to Literacy and TEACCH. Children respond positively to computers and pictures, thus creating another tool to develop and improve their skills.

The goal of the Readiness Program is to help these children remediate deficient areas of development. Some children may transition to regular preschool or an appropriate Kindergarten setting with or without special education support services.

Children are referred to the Readiness Program by the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) in their local school district, parents, agencies, professionals, and Early Intervention.

The Readiness Intake team of professionals evaluates all prospective students in all areas of development and performance to identify developmental delays that currently need to be addressed. Before being accepted and entering the Readiness Program, the CPSE develops an Individual Education Plan (IEP), outlining developmental delays to be addressed, therapies to be implemented, and goals to be attained within a designated time frame. Therapies offered are: Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Counseling.

Classes are small, with a ratio of 1 Teacher and 2 Teacher Assistants to classes of as few as 8 children to a maximum of 12 children in each class. This educational plan enables children who need the most help not only in developing readiness skills, but also in fostering appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers as well as staff to receive maximum exposure to the daily class routine.

Students in the Readiness Program receive yearly re-evaluations and progress reports which are reviewed during professional team meetings. This information helps the team in developing and implementing an appropriate interdisciplinary educational program and to meet the individual needs of the students.

Parents play a critical role in supporting the growth and development of their children. Parent training and individual family conferences encourage and promote their ability to advocate for their children's educational needs and access appropriate services. Parents are in continual contact with their child's Social Worker. This relationship provides valuable support to the family during the child's participation in the Readiness Program, and planning for future educational services.

Since it's inception in 1987, the Readiness Program has had a dramatic impact on the lives of special education preschool children as well as their families.

NYISE Home Page

For additional information contact:
The New York Institute for Special Education
Kim Benisatto, Operations Manager
999 Pelham Parkway Bronx, New York 10469 USA
Phone: (718) 519-7000 Fax: (718) 231-9314