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

The Readiness Program is a special educational pre-school program for children who are developmentally delayed and disabled from the ages of three to five years. The goal of the program is to provide instruction and early intervention services so that these children can be placed in a mainstreamed or the least restrictive environment when they reach the age of five.

The children in the program have disabilities which may include speech impairment, mild orthopedic impairment, a learning or mild emotional disability. The children attend school five days a week for five hours a day. Children are referred to the program by their Public School District Committee on Pre-School Education. The school evaluates all referrals and recommends appropriate services.

Speech, physical, occupational and play therapies are in groups or individually provided as mandated by a child's Individual Education Plan. The High/Scope Curriculum is implemented with all classes, based on the theory that children learn best by being actively involved in activities of their choice. The curriculum provides for consistent daily routines which include adult-supported play, gross motor activities, lunch and nap.

Children in the program are reviewed at least once a month by a team of professionals. These reviews provide information on student growth and development, as well as strategies for working with the child.

Family support groups as well as individual meetings with social workers are offered to all parents. In addition to the educational staff, a full array of professionals, such as social workers, speech, occupational and physical therapists, are an intricate part of the program. A nurse is available daily to address minor medical needs of the children and concerns of the staff and parents. Psychiatric and psychological consultants work with the staff and families regarding behavioral and emotional needs.

In recent years, the Readiness Program has had a dramatic impact on the lives of pre- schoolers with developmental disabilities. Upon graduation, almost 40% of the children move on to regular education classes in public schools.